Getting ready for summer fun could mean anything from marathon gaming sessions near sunlit windows, lounging by the pool, or planning a warm vacation. In all this relaxation, it’s easy to overlook some critical skincare steps. Sunscreen is a must-have component of your daily routine, no matter what you plan to do. It’s especially crucial to get some sunblock in those places you might not think about immediately. Let’s look at six unusual spots that need extra sunscreen protection just as much as your nose and shoulders do. Remember, a little extra attention can keep your skin protected, healthy, and even a bit youthful.
Behind the Ears
Let’s kick off with a spot you likely miss unless you’re very thorough with your sunscreen application: behind the ears. Whether you’re tying back your hair to focus while gaming or tucking it neatly for work, the skin behind your ears is exposed and vulnerable.
This area can surprisingly get a lot of sun exposure. This is especially true if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Apply a generous dab of sunscreen behind each ear when you’re covering your face and neck. It’s a simple step that integrates seamlessly into your beauty routine and shields you from those sneaky UV rays.
Tops of the Feet
Moving down to a spot that often gets overlooked until it’s painfully sunburned: the tops of your feet. This area is crucial, particularly when you’re lounging in sandals or barefoot by the poolside, absorbing both the sun and the latest on the financial markets.
A really good skincare routine includes caring for all exposed skin, and that means slathering those feet with SPF just as diligently as you would your face. It’s easy to forget this spot when you’re applying sunscreen, but remember, the skin on your feet is thinner and can show signs of sun damage just as quickly as your face.
Eyelids
Consider how delicate the skin on your eyelids is. This area, crucial for when you’re focusing on your latest game strategy or reading through complex financial forecasts, is extremely susceptible to sunburn. Since many of us hesitate to apply sunscreen near our eyes, opting instead for sunglasses or hats, it’s important to find a sunblock formula that is safe for use around the eyes.
A lightweight, sensitive-skin formula works well. Apply it gently with your fingertip, ensuring you cover the entire eyelid area. This preventive measure keeps your eyelids not just safe from UV rays but also helps in preventing long-term damage like wrinkles and skin thinning.
The Scalp
When it comes to unexpected but crucial spots that need sunscreen, the scalp tops the list. While hair provides some level of protection, it’s not enough, especially if you have thinning hair, a parting, or a buzz cut. The scalp is an area that often gets overlooked because many of us mistakenly assume our hair is sufficient coverage. But just think about the last time you spent a day in the sun and came back with a tender, burnt scalp — it’s not only painful but can also contribute to skin damage and accelerated aging.
For those who spend hours under direct lighting, be it from intense gaming sessions, outdoor financial events, or simply enjoying a sunny day, it’s crucial to apply a form of scalp sunscreen. This can come in various forms, like sprays, powders, or even a gel specifically designed for scalp application. Make sure to apply it liberally to all exposed parts, especially if you style your hair in a way that exposes more of your scalp. Reapplying every two hours or after sweating heavily is key, ensuring continuous protection throughout your activities.
Under Fingernails
Yes, you read that right: under the fingernails. It might sound bizarre, but the skin beneath your fingernails can indeed suffer from sun damage, especially if you spend a lot of time with your hands exposed to the sun while driving or reading outside. For remote workers who might find themselves outdoors with a laptop or mobile device, this area becomes unexpectedly vulnerable.
A clear, broad-spectrum sunscreen can be applied under the fingernails; just a small dab rubbed into the nail beds will do. This not only protects the delicate skin in these areas but also contributes to maintaining overall nail health and preventing brittleness or discoloration associated with UV exposure.
The Ears
Last but certainly not least, don’t forget about the ears. Just like behind them, the ears themselves are highly susceptible to sunburn, which can be extremely painful and harmful in the long run.
It’s crucial to apply a healthy layer of sunscreen over the entire surface of each ear, top to bottom, inside and out. Because the ear has such a distinct shape, it’s easy to miss spots, so take extra care when applying. Also, because ears are often exposed to the sun, they are especially prone to skin cancer. This makes this step even more important as a result.
