5 Places You Miss When Applying Sunscreen

Summer is a time for fun in the sun, and that calls for a thorough application of sunscreen. Sure, you may lather your legs, arms and face, but chances are you skip over some important areas, according to dermatologists. In fact, most adults require one ounce (a full shot glass) of sunscreen to cover exposed skin on the entire body. That said, most people only use 25 to 50% of that amount. 

Dermatologists suggest wearing sunscreen on a daily basis, regardless of the weather. If you go swimming or sweat while wearing sunscreen, make sure to reapply after drying off. The reason that you should wear sunscreen on a daily basis is to reduce the risk of wrinkles, sun spots, and the overall appearance of the skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that if you experience five or more sunburns, your risk of melanoma doubles. Melanoma is potentially a deadly form of skin cancer, which is why dermatologists encourage regular sunscreen application. In fact, wearing sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher reduces your risk of skin cancer by 50%. 

Now, as mentioned earlier, you need to apply sunscreen to all areas that are exposed to the sun. Most people neglect the following areas when applying sunscreen. Make sure to get them to reduce your risk of skin cancer and advanced signs of aging. 

The Scalp

If you think that your hair protects your scalp, think again. The scalp is the highest point of the body and can burn more easily than other areas. That’s usually why your head feels itchy or hot the following day after being in the sun. To help prevent skin cancer, always apply sunscreen to your scalp and hairline. Although skin cancer on the scalp only accounts for 2-5% of all melanomas, you should still apply sunscreen as a protective measure. There are many sunscreens specifically formulated to protect the scalp without leaving behind a greasy residue. 

The Eyelids

The skin around your eyes is very thin, which makes it more susceptible to skin cancer, in addition to wrinkles and sun spots. According to available data, skin cancer on the eyelids accounts for 10% of all skin cancer cases. Many people don’t apply sunscreen around the eyes because of sensitivity issues. In order to avoid the sting, choose a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. You can also use an eye cream that contains SPF if you don’t want to use sunscreen. Lastly, don’t forget to wear sunglasses, preferably ones that have polarized lenses. 

The Ears

All the folds in the ears make them a little difficult to cover in sunscreen, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid them. Your ears get plenty of sun exposure, especially if you don’t wear a protective sun hat. Skin cancer can affect all areas of the ears, not just the tops and ear lobes. Make sure to apply sunscreen behind the ears as well because those are common areas for skin cancer development. Make sure that the sunscreen you apply is a broad-spectrum variety with an SPF of 30 or higher. 

The Feet

Obviously, you do not need to apply sunscreen to the soles of your feet. The reason for this is because a thick layer of dead skin cells offers protection. If, for whatever reason, you expose the soles of your feet to the sun, make sure to apply some sunscreen. The tops of your feet are exposed to the sun if you are not wearing full-coverage shoes. About 3-15% of melanoma skin cancer cases occur on the foot or ankle. Always self-examine your feet on a regular basis to ensure that you don’t have any irregular spots or moles. 

The Lips

As you probably know, the skin on the lips is very sensitive, which is why they are prone to dryness and chapping in the winter. Fortunately, it is easy to protect because you just need a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Applying a lip balm with an SPF is a great step towards preventing the development of skin cancers and wrinkles on the lips.