Applying sunscreen is a crucial step in protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Yet, many of us are guilty of overlooking some areas when slathering on SPF. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), most adults need about 1 ounce of sunscreen—enough to fill a shot glass—to adequately cover all exposed skin. However, many people apply only 25 to 50 percent of that recommended amount, leaving some areas vulnerable to sun damage.
Sunscreen should be used daily, regardless of the weather, and reapplied every two hours. Additionally, if you're swimming or sweating, you need to reapply sunscreen immediately afterward, as recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. While applying sunscreen to your face, arms, and legs is a good start, it’s essential not to forget about other exposed areas that are often missed.
Certain spots on your body are particularly prone to sun exposure but are frequently overlooked during sunscreen application. Areas such as the scalp, lips, ears, neck, chest, and feet might seem like they don't get enough sun to warrant SPF. However, these areas are at high risk for skin cancer.
The importance of applying sunscreen everywhere cannot be overstated. experiencing five or more sunburns doubles your risk of developing melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. On the flip side, using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily can reduce this risk by 50 percent. Moreover, consistent sunscreen use can protect your skin from premature aging. In fact, 90 percent of skin aging can be attributed to sun exposure. One study found that people who used sunscreen daily with an SPF of 15 or higher showed 24 percent less skin aging than those who did not.
So, next time you apply sunscreen, make sure you don't miss these often-overlooked areas:
1. Ears
The ears are an area many people forget to protect. Given their many folds and creases, applying sunscreen here can be tricky. However, they receive a significant amount of sun exposure, making them a common site for skin cancer.
To minimize your risk, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your ears, ensuring you cover all areas, including the front and back. Wearing a hat with a brim and seeking shade whenever possible are also good practices to further protect your ears from harmful UV rays.
2. Scalp
It’s easy to assume that your hair provides adequate protection for your scalp, but that’s not the case. The scalp is the highest point of the body and thus more likely to burn than other areas. Even though skin cancer on the scalp is not as common—accounting for 2 to 5 percent of all skin melanomas—applying SPF to this area is still important.
Sunscreen for the scalp doesn’t have to be messy or inconvenient. There are many products available that are specifically formulated to protect the scalp without leaving residue or a greasy feeling. For example, you might consider using a sunscreen powder like Supergoop Poof Part Powder or a mist such as Sun Bum’s Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30, both of which are designed to protect the scalp without weighing down your hair.
Wearing a hat is another effective way to protect your scalp, especially if you’ll be spending extended periods outdoors.
3. Eyelids
The skin around your eyes is particularly thin and delicate, making it susceptible to skin cancer and signs of aging such as wrinkles and sunspots.
Applying sunscreen to the eyelids can be challenging due to the sensitivity of the area. You can find sunscreens specifically formulated for sensitive skin, which are ideal for use around the eyes. Another option is to use an eye cream that contains SPF, such as Bright-Eyed 100 Percent Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40.
In addition to sunscreen, wearing sunglasses that offer UV protection is an excellent way to protect your eyelids from harmful rays. Not only will this help prevent skin cancer, but it will also protect the delicate skin around your eyes from signs of aging.
4. Lips
Your lips are another area that can easily be forgotten when applying sunscreen, but they are just as vulnerable to sun damage as the rest of your skin. In fact, skin cancer can develop on the lips just like any other part of the body.
Protecting your lips from the sun is easy with a lip balm that contains an SPF of 30 or higher. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, using an SPF lip balm can help prevent both skin cancer and wrinkles in the area.
Remember to reapply your lip balm every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or eating. If you don’t have a lip balm on hand, you could also apply facial sunscreen to your lips for protection.
5. Neck and Chest
While many people are diligent about applying sunscreen to their face, the neck and chest often get overlooked. This is a mistake, as these areas are also prone to sun exposure and are common sites for skin cancer. These areas should be given the same attention as your face to ensure they are adequately protected from harmful UV rays.
6. Feet
Your feet are another area that often gets neglected when it comes to sunscreen. Unless you’re wearing full-coverage shoes like sneakers, the tops of your feet are exposed to the sun and need protection.
The tops of our feet are often exposed to the sun, and we should apply SPF there. The soles of your feet, on the other hand, are generally more protected due to a thicker layer of dead skin cells. However, if you’re lying out barefoot at the beach or poolside, it’s important to apply sunscreen to the bottoms of your feet as well.
In conclusion, sunscreen is your first line of defense against the harmful effects of the sun, including skin cancer and premature aging. By ensuring you cover all exposed areas—including those often overlooked—you can significantly reduce your risk and keep your skin healthy for years to come. Remember to apply generously and reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. Your skin will thank you.
For more information contact us at +62 812 1068 8884 / +62 812 2888 8837/ +62 812-2888-8337 or email [email protected].
Lumina Aesthetics Clinic
Jl. Dewi Sri No. 88E, Legian
+62 812 1068 8884 | +62 812 2888 8837
