Are you loving the sun? I know I am! We had a cold winter here in New York, so I’m thrilled to feel the temperatures warming up and the sun coming through my window.
This is a good time to remind you all about sunscreen. Remember that UV radiation-in addition to causing sunburn and skin cancer-is the number-one ager of skin.
You’re probably already applying it to your face. Most of us remember to do that. But there are other areas of the body you may be neglecting.
This can be dangerous. Many times, when people are diagnosed with skin cancer, it shows up in places they never would have suspected. The tops of the feet, for example, or the tips of the ears. The skin on these vulnerable areas is usually thinner and more fragile than that on our arms and legs, so it’s no wonder they succumb more readily to DNA damage.
To make sure you stay completely protected this summer, I’ve listed the 10 most common areas of the body that you’re forgetting to protect. Take note and apply that sunscreen liberally!
(Make sure you’re using safe zinc oxide or titanium dioxide-never chemical sunscreens that can further damage your skin.)
Ten Places You’re Forgetting Sunscreen
Next time you get ready to go outside, double-check these areas to be sure they’re covered.
- Ears: Ouch-these hurt so badly when they get burned, right? Don’t forget them. When you’re applying sunscreen to your face, just keep going right on back and cover your ears, too. Be sure to get the tips and the backs.
- Eyelids: This can be a tough one because regular sunscreen can sting if it gets inside our eyes. You may be avoiding applying here for that very reason. The problem is that the eyes are the first place to show aging. Fine lines and wrinkles-they often show up in this area before any other part of the face. Age may be the culprit, but the sun likely causes its share of damage. Try a physical sunscreen you trust and dab lightly around the eyes with your ring finger. It may take some trial and error to find one that won’t sting, but it’s worth the effort.
- Lips: Are you using a lip balm with and SPF of 30 or more? If not, you’re cheating yourself. The lips are very thin and fragile-extremely vulnerable to damage from UV rays, and also more likely to show wrinkles as you age. There are a lot of organic balms out there with SPF in them. Go shopping and protect yourself!
- Tops of your feet: We all love sandal season, but forgetting to protect the tops of your feet is asking for a painful burn. Even if you’re wearing pants and going to work, if you have on sandals, apply sunscreen before you walk out of the house. If you’re going to be in the water, be sure to take extra sunscreen along with you so you can reapply.
- Scalp/part: Men, in particular, often suffer burns when they neglect to apply sunscreen to their bare heads. As popular as head shaving is these days, sunscreen is a must. But ladies, don’t forget the part in your hair. Vulnerable skin is showing through and UV rays find it faster than you may think. Cancer of the scalp is a common occurrence for this very reason. Try a lightweight SPF sport spray and apply to the part area. Look for organic brands to avoid harming your hair with harsh ingredients.
- Back of the neck: We often intend to get this spot, but somehow just end up missing it. Often the problem is we apply from the face down and the chest up, and just don’t get all the skin on the back of the neck. Ask a partner to help you, or just take some extra time with a mirror to make sure you’re getting it all.
- Décolletage: Ladies, this area can show our age! Have you seen wrinkly, dry décolletages? Protect yourself to delay those wrinkles and dark spots. A mistake we often make is not going low enough. Summer fashions can expose more skin on the chest than we think.
- Midriff: Most of the time this area is covered. That means it’s especially vulnerable to sun damage when we do go out with crop tops or bikinis. On those days you’re going to the pool or the beach, don’t miss this tender area when you’re applying sunscreen. Men should be extra careful with the stomach area, as well, as the skin there is more tender and vulnerable to burning and sun damage.
- Back of knees: This area is like the back of your neck-easily missed. If you’re applying sunscreen quickly, it can be far too easy to glide right on by, and then that night, you’re paying for it with a bright red burn. Slow down when you’re applying and be careful.
- Armpits: Have you ended up with an armpit burn before? If you’ve ever spent time out on the sand, you probably have, and you know how awful it can be. We put our hands under our heads and completely forget that we’ve left that skin vulnerable to sun damage. Even if you’re going out in a sleeveless top, be sure to cover this area, as the sun can burn and damage that delicate skin just to the side and back of the armpit.
Are there other areas of the body you’ve left unprotected in the past? Please share any tips you may have.
