If you’re reading this, you probably already know the importance of wearing SPF. You might even religiously slather your face, arms, and legs with SPF everyday (good job!). However, there are some spots you might be missing on your body as you head out the door. Unfortunately, these often-neglected places are still prone to sun damage — from premature aging and hyperpigmentation, to skin cancer.
That said, here are six spots you shouldn’t forget when putting on everyday sunscreen.
Your neck and chest
SPF is the best anti-aging product, and studies have found that it can protect against wrinkles and loss of elasticity caused by UV radiation. While you might remember to use sun protection for face, you might be skipping your neck and chest. But as we age, these exposed parts can become leathery from sun damage, which is difficult to repair. Prevention is key!
Your ears
Think your ears are too small to need SPF? Nope — they’re still prone to sun damage! In fact, this could even cause ear cancer, which usually starts out as skin cancer that develops around your outer and inner ear area. Left untreated, this may even spread to your facial nerves and beyond. Apply your sunscreen and wear a hat when possible to protect your ears.
Your eyelids
Not all parts of your skin are equal, and research shows that eyelid skin is the thinnest in the face. This means that it has the least amount of protection from UV damage, and is also prone to eyelid skin cancer. Fortunately, most sunscreens are safe to use around the eye area, and it also helps to wear sunglasses with UV protection.
Your hands
Just like your eyelids, the skin on your hands is also thin and prone to constant sun exposure — whether you’re just driving, working by a window, or walking outside. As such, it’s one of the first places to show signs of aging. Remember, it’s not enough to just wear SPF once in the morning. You need to reapply every time you swim, sweat, and even wash your hands!
Your lips
You might be careful to avoid dry, chapped lips, but are you equally conscious about sun damage? Suncare is lip care too! This delicate area catches sun rays pretty much all day, and the outer lip area is extra prone to precancerous growths. Use an SPF lip balm with broad spectrum protection, and keep it close to you for easy reapplication wherever you go, especially after eating and drinking.
The tops + soles of your feet
Ever come back from a vacation with weird, flip flop-shaped tan lines on your feet? Yep, it’s highly likely you ignore your feet entirely when putting on sunscreen, but they need some SPF love too! Unless you’ve got some closed shoes on, layer some sunscreen on the tops and soles of your feet before that beach trip or walk to avoid sun burns and UV damage.
Wear sunscreen everyday
Sunscreen is highly effective when used properly and religiously. For full body protection, Oh My Bod! is a reliable daily sunscreen lotion with SPF50. Aside from providing long-lasting protection, this body lotion with SPF is also packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and cucumber, making it super hydrating and nourishing for your face + body. Plus, it’s water- and sweat-resistant (up to 80 minutes)! For your lips, Big Mood SPF30 Milky Lip Balm has broad spectrum protection, and it contains oat extract and soothing oil blends to deeply moisturize and soothe. Bonus: it tastes like creamy oat milk lattes.
Now that you know some of the most forgotten spots when it comes to SPF use, take extra care to protect these areas before going outside. Sun safety first, so you can continue enjoying the benefits of sunshine minus the UV damage!
Shop your SPF essentials now on Everyday Humans.
