According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), most adults require one ounce of sunscreen to cover exposed skin on their entire bodies. However, certain areas are often overlooked either because applying sunscreen to them is awkward or the area doesn’t get too much sun. This article will teach you about 6 places on your body that you should avoid overlooking.
Ears
Thanks to their folds, your ears are not the easiest places to apply sunscreen. However, they receive a lot of sunlight and are the third most common location for skin cancer. When applying, use a broad-spectrum cream sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and cover all areas of the ear.
Eyelids
The skin around your eyes is thin, making it susceptible to skin cancer and signs of ageing, like sun spots and wrinkles. Most people refrain from applying SPF to their eyelids due to the area’s sensitivity. To protect yourself from the sting, you can use a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Scalp
Your scalp is the highest point of your body, making it more likely to burn than other areas. To help avoid skin cancers, you can apply SPF to the scalp and the hairline. Scalp sunscreen is also not as messy as you think. You can try a sunscreen powder like Supergoop Poof Part Powder or a mist like Sun Bum’s Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30.
Lips
Your lips can also develop skin cancer but the good news is they are very easy to protect. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you only need a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher. This can help you avoid the development of skin cancers and wrinkles.
Neck and Chest
According to a 2019 article published in JAMA Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, about 20 percent of all new melanoma cases are in the head and neck region. Your neck and chest are also hot spots for cancer, so you need to pay attention to these areas. You can use sheer zinc oxide on your chest and neck, as tinted face sunscreens can spread to clothing.
Feet
Unless you’re wearing full-coverage shoes like sneakers, your feet could be soaking up many rays. You can protect yourself by applying SPF on your feet and toes.
Conclusion
Sunscreen might be easy to apply, but you still miss some areas. With the spots we have covered, you can ensure that every part of your body gets equal protection from sunlight.
