Article
Goggle Tan
A goggle tan is a distinctive pattern of paler skin around the eyes produced when goggles, safety glasses or tight eyewear block UV exposure while the surrounding skin tans. It is commonly seen in swimmers, skiers, cyclists and outdoor workers.
Causes and mechanics
- Direct, prolonged UV exposure while eyewear covers the periorbital area.
- Reflective surfaces (water, snow) intensify exposure to uncovered zones, increasing contrast.
Social and narrative notes
Goggle tans can function as a signifier in fiction: an athlete's badge of commitment, a summer memory, or a subtle marker of a job that keeps someone outdoors. Over years they may become a consistent part of a character's appearance.
Prevention and safety
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed facial skin; choose formulas safe for the eye area and avoid getting product in the eyes.
- Use UV-protective lenses and ensure goggles fit well to reduce exposed gaps.
- For prolonged outdoor work, take shade breaks and wear wide-brim hats when practical.
Writing tips
- Use goggle tans to indicate habit and time ("the faded ring around her eyes told of years on open water").
- Note accompanying tactile details—salt-crusted lashes after swimming, wind-chapped skin at the edge of a goggle line—to enrich scenes.