We all know the importance of applying sunscreen to our face, shoulders, and back when heading outdoors. But did you know that many common skin cancer spots develop in areas that most people routinely miss when applying sun protection? Even the most diligent sunscreen users often overlook certain body parts, leaving them vulnerable to harmful UV radiation.
Keep reading to discover the surprising places you might be forgetting to apply sunscreen and learn how to ensure complete protection against skin cancer!
Why Missed Spots Matter
When it comes to sun protection, consistency and thoroughness are key factors in preventing skin cancer. Even small, overlooked areas can develop serious skin damage over time from repeated sun exposure. These forgotten spots often receive just as much sun exposure as more obvious areas but don’t get the protection they need.
Our dermatologists at Moy-Fincher-Chipps regularly treat skin cancers in these commonly forgotten areas. Many patients are surprised to learn that their diligent sunscreen application wasn’t as complete as they thought.
1. The Ears
The ears are among the most common places where skin cancer develops, yet many people forget to apply sunscreen to this area. Their protruding nature makes ears especially vulnerable to UV radiation from multiple angles, increasing their risk of sun damage.
Men with short haircuts and people who wear their hair up frequently are particularly susceptible to ear-related skin cancers.
2. The Scalp and Part Lines
Your scalp is directly exposed to the sun’s rays, particularly if you have thinning hair or part your hair consistently in the same place. Many people overlook applying sunscreen to their scalp due to concerns about making their hair greasy or difficulty with application.
Part lines create a direct path for UV rays to reach the scalp skin, and these narrow strips of exposed skin can develop significant damage over time. For those with hair loss or thinning hair, the risk is even greater as larger areas of the scalp receive direct sunlight throughout the day.
3. The Tops of the Feet
During warm weather, many people wear sandals or go barefoot, exposing the tops of their feet to direct sunlight. Despite this exposure, the feet are one of the most commonly forgotten areas when applying sunscreen. The skin on the tops of feet is thin and often has little natural protection from melanin, making it particularly vulnerable to UV damage.
People often apply sunscreen before putting on footwear and forget to reapply when they switch to sandals later in the day. This oversight can leave the feet completely unprotected during peak sun hours.
4. The Lips
The lips have thin skin with minimal melanin protection, making them highly susceptible to UV damage. Many people focus on facial sunscreen but forget that their lips need specific protection too. Regular lipstick or lip gloss typically doesn’t provide adequate sun protection and may actually increase damage by attracting more UV rays to the lips.
Skin cancers on the lips, particularly the lower lip, which receives more direct sunlight, can be aggressive and require extensive treatment. Using a dedicated lip balm with SPF 30 or higher is essential for complete sun protection.
5. The Eyelids and Around the Eyes
The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the body, making it particularly vulnerable to UV damage and premature aging. Many people intentionally avoid applying sunscreen near their eyes due to concerns about stinging or irritation. Special sunscreen formulations designed for the eye area can provide protection without irritation. Wearing UV-protective sunglasses also helps shield this sensitive area from harmful rays.
6. The Hands
Our hands receive more cumulative sun exposure than almost any other body part due to their constant use in outdoor activities. Despite this, many people forget to apply sunscreen to their hands or wash it off after handwashing without reapplying.
The backs of the hands, in particular, have thin skin that shows signs of sun damage and aging quickly. Regular application of sunscreen to the hands and keeping a small sunscreen tube in your car or bag for reapplication can help protect this high-exposure area.
7. The Neck and Chest Area
The neck and upper chest receive significant sun exposure, especially for people who wear V-neck or scoop-neck clothing. Many people apply sunscreen to their face but stop at the jawline, leaving the neck and chest vulnerable.
The thin skin in these areas shows signs of sun damage more quickly than other body parts. Extending your facial sunscreen application to include your neck and chest can prevent these issues.
8. Behind the Knees and Under Arm Areas
The backs of the knees and underarm areas may seem like they don’t get much sun, but during activities like swimming, gardening, or certain sports, these areas can receive significant exposure. The skin in these areas tends to be thinner and more sensitive, making it more susceptible to damage when it does receive UV radiation.
People rarely think to apply sunscreen to these hidden joints, but they can be surprisingly exposed during everyday activities. Remember these easily overlooked spots when applying sun protection, especially before physical activities outdoors.
Tips for Complete Sunscreen Coverage
To ensure you’re protecting all areas of your body, consider applying sunscreen before getting dressed so you can more easily reach all areas. Use a systematic approach, working from head to toe without skipping any regions. Remember that spray sunscreens, while convenient, often result in uneven application and missed spots.
Set a timer to remind yourself to reapply sunscreen every two hours of sun exposure, and always reapply after swimming or excessive sweating. Consider using a mirror to help apply sunscreen to hard-to-see areas like the back of the neck or behind the ears.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Regular skin checks are essential for catching any potential skin cancers early, especially in these commonly missed areas. Our dermatologists recommend annual full-body skin examinations to identify any suspicious spots that might otherwise go unnoticed.
If you have questions about your skin, schedule an appointment at Moy-Fincher-Chipps today!
