Don't Forget Your Blind Spots: Essential Tips for Sun Protection
When it comes to sun protection, most of us are well aware of the importance of wearing sunscreen. We diligently apply it to our faces, arms, legs, and other visible areas of the body. However, amidst the rush to safeguard our skin, we often overlook the hidden spots that are easily forgotten—the head, ears, back of the neck, and hands. These areas are especially vulnerable to harmful UV rays, making it crucial not to forget them when applying sunscreen. In this blog post, we will shed light on these commonly forgotten blind spots and provide helpful tips to ensure you achieve complete sun protection.
The Head:
Our scalp is one of the most commonly neglected areas when it comes to sunscreen application. Whether you have a full head of hair or a bald scalp, it is essential to shield this area from harmful UV rays. Use a spray sunscreen or apply a lightweight powder sunscreen (see our picks below) to your scalp, making sure to part your hair and reach all the exposed areas. To protect things even more, wear a wide-brimmed hat or a cap to protect your head from direct sun exposure. Wide brimmed hats provide better coverage than a baseball cap, but caps still help protect the scalp and forehead.
The Ears:
Just like the scalp, the ears are often overlooked when applying sunscreen. Due to their protruding position, they are susceptible to sunburn and long-term damage, especially if you have short hair. To ensure adequate protection, coat your ears with sunscreen, paying attention to the back and tops of each ear. Don't forget the earlobes, as they are particularly sensitive.
The Back of the Neck:
The back of the neck is another easily forgotten spot that requires attention. When outdoors, it is exposed to the sun's rays, and prolonged exposure can lead to painful sunburns, significant sun damage and even skin cancer. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to the back of your neck, ensuring complete coverage.
The Hands:
Our hands are constantly exposed to the sun, yet we often overlook them during sunscreen application. They are susceptible to premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer. To safeguard your hands, apply sunscreen liberally, paying special attention to the tops and fingers. Carry easy to apply sunscreen options in your bag, such as our recommendations below, for reapplication throughout the day, especially after washing your hands.
Dr. Sutton’s Top Sunscreen Picks
The Sunbetter Tone smart compact by skinbetter science® represents a new category of 100% mineral-active sun protection in a tone-adapting compact that provides a hint of color. Easy to apply all over the body.
Pro Tip: powder sunscreens make reapplying sunscreen easy! They layer well on top of lotion or cream type sunscreen and on top of makeup. Carry these in your purse to easily reapply sunscreen when you’re out and about.
Sunscreen + Powder SPF 45 is powered by Triple-Spectrum Protection® and exclusive ZO® antioxidant technology to deliver superior skin defense with a hint of advanced color pigments.
Colorescience SPF50 sunscreen is an easy to use brush-on sunscreen with protection against UVA/UVB, pollution and other environmental aggressors. Easy to apply over make-up, hypoallergenic and comes in multiple shades.
Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is vital for maintaining healthy and youthful-looking skin. However, it's crucial not to forget your blind spots when it comes to sunscreen application. Areas like the head, ears, back of the neck, and hands require diligent attention to ensure complete sun protection. By following these simple yet often overlooked steps, you can shield these vulnerable areas from sunburn, premature aging, and the long-term risks associated with UV exposure. So, next time you reach for that bottle of sunscreen, remember to give these commonly forgotten spots the care and protection they deserve.
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