T
he summer heat is enough reason to beef up your SPF usage. After moisturizing, we generously apply SPF to protect our sensitive facial skin from the sun’s damaging rays. But some other areas of our bodies also require the UV protection that sunscreen provides. Let’s look at these frequently neglected regions to better understand why protecting yourself from the sun requires applying sunscreen to them.
Check out where to apply sunscreen on your body that we often overlook…
#1. On your scalp
Do not be shocked at the mention of the scalp. Even though yours is covered in hair, it is still susceptible to sun damage. If your hair is falling out or thinning, the sun can still get to your scalp through the spaces between your strands. As a result, your scalp may become sunburned, resulting in redness, peeling, stinging, and even blisters. Additionally, sun damage may harm the health and growth of your hair follicles. To tackle this, you can use a spray-on sunscreen or a powder sunscreen that is simple to apply to your roots to protect your scalp. You can also wear a cap or headscarf to protect yourself from the sun.
#2. Your feet
While we may not give much thought to our toes and feet when it comes to sun protection, they are frequently exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. Prolonged sun exposure without sunscreen can result in sunburn, skin damage, and an increased risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma. Be sure to generously apply sunscreen to your toes, the tops of your feet, and even between your toes when wearing open-toed shoes or sandals.
#3. On your ears
Often overlooked, the ears are highly susceptible to sunburn and skin damage due to their prominence and their delicate skin. Failing to protect your ears with sunscreen can lead to painful burns and long-term skin damage. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your ears, paying attention to the tops, lobes, and behind the ears to ensure comprehensive protection.
#4. Your neck
Your neck is another area that often gets neglected when it comes to sunscreen application. The skin on your neck is thin and exposed to the sun’s rays from different angles. Sunburn on your neck can cause redness, irritation, wrinkles, and sagging. It can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer in this area. Ensure that you apply sunscreen to the front, sides, and back of your neck. You can also wear a collar or a scarf that covers your neck when you’re outdoors.
#5. Apply sunscreen on your hands
Our hands are exposed to the sun daily and are often one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Neglecting to protect your hands with sunscreen can lead to age spots, wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Remember to apply sunscreen to the back of your hands, between your fingers, and your wrists as well.
#6. Your eyelids
One of your body’s smallest and most delicate body parts, your eyelids are frequently forgotten while applying sunscreen. The sensitive skin and ocular structures beneath your eyelids might become damaged by the sun’s rays. Your eyelids can also become sunburned, which can lead to swelling, redness, blisters, and vision issues. Additionally, sun damage on the lids can make you more likely to acquire eye conditions, including macular degeneration and cataracts.
Apply sunscreen gently to your upper and lower eyelids, as well as the corners of your eyes. Opt for an eye cream with sunscreen as not every sunscreen is suitable for the delicate skin of the eyes. When you’re outside, don’t forget to wear UV-blocking sunglasses.
#7. On your back
When thinking of where to apply sunscreen, don’t forget your back. Your back’s skin is particularly vulnerable to sun damage if you have moles or freckles. To protect your back, you should ask someone else to help you apply sunscreen evenly to the entire surface of your back, including the shoulders and lower back.
Check out 7 impressive benefits of sunscreen
- Reduces the risk of skin cancer and skin pre-cancers by shielding the skin from UV radiation damage.
- Limits the appearance of sunspots.
- Reduces the effects of sun sensitivity.
- Prevents premature aging.
- Maintains youthful, even-toned skin.
- Protects against inflammation, redness, blotchy skin, hyperpigmentation, and damaged blood vessels.
- Maintains the skin’s general health and nourishment.
How to use sunscreen effectively
- Use enough sunscreen to cover your entire face and the aforementioned parts of your body.
- Reapply at least every two hours, and more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.
- Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that is water resistant.
- Take extra care to protect the areas that are easily overlooked, like the scalp, toes, foot, ears, neck, hands, eyelids, and back. Also, wear clothing, caps, and sunglasses, and seek shade when possible.
Featured image: cottonbro studio/Pexels
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