Not to sound like a broken record, but applying sunscreen (with an SPF of 30 or higher!) is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun. Without it, you're increasing your risk of sunburns, visible aging, and skin cancer. You probably know to generously coat every exposed area, but there are a few sneaky spots you might be overlooking:
Your Scalp
Your hair usually acts as a natural barrier between the sun and your skin, says dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D. But if your hairstyle includes a part, then you're not protected. Opt for a sunscreen gel—which is less oily and absorbs into the skin faster than creams—so that your hair doesn't get greasy. One caveat: If you have really light-colored, fine hair, it won't provide much protection. Since we're guessing you don't want to cover your whole head in sunscreen, your best bet there is to wear a hat.
Your Ears
Yup—these guys need protection, too—particularly since a lot of instances of skin cancer occur on the ears, says Bowe. It doesn't matter what type of sunscreen you use (gel, cream, spray, stick), but just make sure you hit this often-neglected spot.
Your Lips
Your lower lip, in particular, is at a very high risk of skin cancer, says Bowe. But there's a quick fix: Use a lip balm that contains SPF. That way your lips will stay moisturized and safe.
Your Eyelids
"People are afraid of getting sunscreen in their eyes," says Bowe. "I actually detect a lot of skin cancers in this area." To avoid irritating your eyes, try a sunscreen stick. They feel waxy but tend not to drip into your eyes like creamy options sometimes do, says Bowe. Or you could just wear sunglasses—as long as they guard against both UVB and UVA rays.
The Tops of Your Hands
It's very common for people to wash their hands after they've finished rubbing on SPF, but that removes any protection you applied to them. The tops of your hands in particular are a common spot for sun damage, says Bowe. Carry around a travel-sized moisturizing sunscreen, which most people think feels better on their skin, says Bowe. A stick (similar to what you would use on your eyelids) is a great option, too.
Your Shoulders
You may think you're already hitting your shoulders, but here's the thing: If your bathing suit has straps on it, you're probably not applying sunscreen under the straps—a crucial misstep. Those straps never stay in the exact same place, says Bowe. So apply sunscreen before you put on your swimsuit. The same idea applies to other areas that are also "covered" by your suit.
The Tops of Your Feet
We love flip-flop and sandal weather, but leaving your feet out of the sunscreen-application process is another mistake. Apply sunscreen on the tops of your feet—including under the straps—to stay safe, says Bowe.
More from Women’s Health:
10 New Sunscreen Secrets
Sunscreen Myths Busted
Is Your Sunscreen Giving You The Full Protection Promised?
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