Ma peau vs la peau

Question

I do not really understand why we use "ma" instead of "la" with "peau" here. The lesson on this point speaks of using possessive adjectives when the body part is the subject of the verb or for emphasis. Does "je sens le soleil sur ma peau" suggest a particular emphasis on "peau"? That would not be at all apparent to me. Thank you.

Céline Pickard · Accepted Answer

Bonjour Scott,
In this context (i.e. with the verb "sentir"), you will need to use the possessive adjective because the action of feeling could be about someone/something else's. So, the verb "sentir" creates this "ambiguity".
Take a look at the examples below:
J'ai les yeux fermés = My eyes are closed
-> it's clearly "my" eyes
Je sens le soleil sur la peau = I feel the sun on the skin
-> it is not clear whose skin you are referring to
Because of this "ambiguity", a hint was given to ask for the use of the possessive adjective as it's a tricky expression at this level.
I hope this is helpful.
Bonne journée !