5 Spots for Sunscreen
It’s the heat of the summer, and you remembered the sunscreen. But did you apply it everywhere? There are several places that are often overlooked. Keep safe this summer from the sun by keeping these five sensitive places in mind.
- Ears – Studies done by the Skin Care Foundation Journal indicate that ears are the third likeliest area to develop skin cancer. Lower these risks by applying a generous amount in every nook and cranny. But be sure to avoid putting any sunscreen directly into your ear.
- Lips – Your lips have very little natural protection from the sun. To avoid burns, use lip balm with SPF. Don’t think you can just use your everyday lipgloss, as this will not protect you. And, in fact, can it actually invite the UV rays into your skin, putting your lips at a higher risk. Reapplying your SPF lip balm throughout the day, especially after you swim, eat and drink, is important.
- Scalp – Scalp soreness and dryness are both results of overexposure to the sun. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that one of the deadliest types of melanoma can occur on the scalp from sun damage. If you opt to not wear a hat, add some sunscreen to the top of your head to protect it from potential harm. Even if you have thick hair, it is still important to protect your scalp from the sun.
- Tops of Feet – Since the tops of your feet directly face the sun, this can be a prime sun exposure area, especially when walking barefoot or wearing open-toed shoes. To avoid burns, make sure to add a generous amount of sunscreen to your feet. Reapply if you plan on swimming, just in case it gets washed off.
- Neck – When using lotion or even makeup, most people stop at the jaw line. It’s no different when it comes to sunscreen. Because the neck is just as vulnerable as the face, be sure to apply sunscreen to the front, sides and back of the neck. Doctors state that outdoor enthusiasts, such as golfers, will develop skin cancer on the back of the neck because this area is often overlooked.
Having sunscreen is just the first step. Applying it to every vulnerable spot, especially in these sensitive areas, is essential to protecting your skin from the risk of cancer. It’s always better to use too much than to not use enough. And with that, have a fun and safe summer!
Want to learn more? Check out these other posts on how important sunscreen is:
