With summer just around the corner, it’s important to keep your skin safe from the harmful effects of the sun.

Sunscreen is a crucial part of protecting your skin, but many of us aren’t applying it correctly or missing spots that leave us vulnerable to sun damage. Here are some areas of the body that people commonly miss when applying sunscreen and how you can protect these overlooked spots:.

1. Ears

Your ears are a frequently overlooked area when it comes to sun protection. They are often left bare when applying sunscreen to the face and neck. People with long hair often wear it down, covering the ears from sun exposure.

But if you wear your hair up or have short hair, covering your ears with a hat or applying sunscreen is crucial to keeping them safe from the sun. Use a spray sunscreen for easy application.

2. Lips

Although lips are technically a part of the face, many people forget to apply sunscreen on their lips. The thin skin on your lips is just as susceptible to sun damage as other areas of your skin.

Look for lip balms with SPF protection or use a lip gloss containing sunscreen.

3. Scalp

The scalp is another area that people often tend to neglect when it comes to sun protection. Hair can help protect your scalp from the sun, but only so much.

Wearing a hat is the easiest way to shield your scalp from the sun’s rays, but if you prefer not to wear a hat, apply a spray-on sunscreen directly to your scalp or use a SPF-infused hair product.

4. Eyelids

You may not think about it, but even your eyelids need protection from the sun. The skin on your eyelids is thin and sensitive, and sunburns can be especially painful in this area.

To protect your eyelids, apply sunscreen to your face, being mindful to cover your lids. You can also use sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes and eyelids from the sun’s rays.

5. Feet

Feet are often an afterthought when it comes to sunscreen, but they are just as vulnerable to sun damage as the rest of your skin. Many people don’t apply sunscreen to their feet because they slip on shoes or sandals that cover them up.

However, if you plan on wearing open-toed shoes, sandals or going barefoot, make sure to apply sunscreen all over your feet. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet where the sun hits directly.

6. Hands

The back of your hands are frequently exposed to the sun and often overlooked when applying sunscreen. When driving or participating in outdoor activities, the tops of your hands get hit with direct sunlight.

Make sure to apply sunscreen to the back of your hands, including your fingers, and also to your wrists if bare.

7. Neck and Chest

These two areas are common overlooked when it comes to applying sunscreen. People often focus too much on the face and forget that the neck and chest areas are still visible and exposed to sunlight.

Make sure to extend your SPF coverage beyond your face and onto the neck and chest.

8. Underarms

Many people don’t apply sunscreen on their underarms because they tend to sweat and use anti-perspirant deodorant. However, the skin in the underarm area can still get sunburned and is also at risk for skin cancer.

Women who wear sleeveless clothing and men who wear tank tops should apply sunscreen to their underarm area before heading out in the sun or spend time in the outdoors.

9. Behind the Knees

Behind the knees is one of the most overlooked areas when it comes to sun protection. This area is hidden, and people often don’t think about it. When exposing legs to the sun, it is important to apply sunscreen on the back of your knees as well.

The skin in this area is delicate, so choose a sunscreen that is gentle enough for sensitive skin.

10. Back of the Neck

Another frequently missed area is the back of the neck. People generally rely on the hair to protect the back of the neck from the sun. Yet, shorter haircuts and clips or ties will expose this area to UV damage.

Make sure to apply sunscreen to the back of your neck where your hair doesn’t provide adequate coverage.

Conclusion

Sun protection is crucial for healthy skin, especially with the long days of summer just ahead. We need to be mindful of the different areas of our body that we tend to miss when it comes to sunscreen application.

In addition to the face, arms and legs, other areas like ears, lips, scalp and even nodal areas like underarms and behind knees require protection. Ensuring that we are using the right sunscreens and applying them to all areas of our body can reduce our risk of developing skin damage, blemishes and skin cancers that can be harmful to the overall health of our skin and our body.