Summer season is all about soaking up the sun and getting a tan. But while the sun can give us vitamin D that we need, it can also damage our skin. The harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and sunburns.
That’s why wearing sunscreen is important, not only during the summer but all year round. However, even the most diligent sunscreen users can forget to apply it on certain parts of their body. Here are three areas where you may be forgetting to apply sunscreen.
Ears
The ears are one of the most overlooked areas when it comes to applying sunscreen. The skin on the ears is just as susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer as the rest of your body.
Moreover, the ears are often exposed to the sun’s harmful rays, especially if you have short hair or wear your hair up. To protect your ears, be sure to apply sunscreen to the entire ear, including the back of the ear and the top of the earlobe. If you have pierced ears, take off your earrings and apply sunscreen on the earlobe.
Lips
The lips are another area that is often forgotten when applying sunscreen. The skin on the lips is thin and delicate, which makes it more vulnerable to the sun’s damaging rays.
Sunburned lips can be painful, and in severe cases, it can lead to swelling and blisters. To protect your lips, use a lip balm that contains SPF of at least 15. You can also apply sunscreen directly on your lips.
Look for a sunscreen that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, as some ingredients can cause an allergic reaction when applied to the lips.
Scalp
The scalp is another area that is often forgotten when it comes to applying sunscreen. If you have hair, your scalp may be protected from the sun, but not entirely.
Parting your hair, wearing a hat, or tying your hair up can expose your scalp to the sun’s rays. Sunburned scalp can be painful, itchy, and in severe cases, it can cause blisters and peeling. To protect your scalp, apply sunscreen to your hairline, and the part in your hair.
If you have thinning hair or bald spots, be sure to apply sunscreen on those areas as well.
Conclusion
Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial to maintaining healthy skin. Applying sunscreen is one way to protect your skin, but it’s important not to forget certain areas that are often overlooked.
Remember to apply sunscreen on your ears, lips, and scalp, as well as on other parts of your body that are exposed to the sun. By doing so, you can enjoy the summer sun safely and without worry.