If you are reading this, you’re probably already 100% aware of how important sunscreen is. What you may not know is that you need sunscreen on a lot of different parts of your body, not just your face. Sunscreen is as important as it is because it shields you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays make your skin age a lot faster than it should and UVB rays cause sunburns. Now I know most of you are thinking, ‘I’m black honey, this melanin don’t burn’. One, that is completely untrue and even if it wasn’t, even if for some weird reason you don’t get sunburnt, UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer.
“Melanin is thought to be about an SPF of 4, so it is not enough to protect you from the sun,” says UNC Health dermatologist Priyanka Vedak, MD. The more time your skin is exposed to the sun unprotected, the more likely you are to get cancer. “Everyone, including those with darker skin, needs to wear sunscreen every day. Putting on broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays can help decrease your risk of skin cancer.” Your skin consists of a lot more than just your face, so you need to shield the other parts as well.
Here are places you should be applying sunscreen too besides your face;
Eyelids
The skin that surrounds the eye is pretty thin, and because of this, they are susceptible to ageing, fine lines and wrinkles. They are also susceptible to skin cancer and other forms of sun damage. To protect your eyelids, always remember to apply sunscreen on them and use sunglasses whenever you’re out in the sun.
Ears
This is easily one of the most forgotten parts of the face when applying sunscreen. This is why the ear could often suffer the most sun damage. Always take your time when applying sunscreen so you don’t skip places like this.
Lips
These are one of the most delicate parts of your face. If you spend a lot of time outdoors and don’t apply sunscreen on your lips, they are most likely actively suffering from it. Get a lip balm with SPF and if you can’t, then apply actual sunscreen directly to your lips. Just be mindful because you could clean it off while talking, licking or eating.
Neck and Chest
During skincare, the neck is easily one of the most forgotten parts, so of course, people forget to apply sunscreen on it. Seeing as the chest comes right after the neck, this is also forgotten as well. Most people think that cause they’re gonna wear a shirt or dress, their chests don’t need the extra shield. It does love, it does. Except your clothes keep out UV rays, it’s not really protecting you from the sun.
Hands and Feet
Out of everywhere else on the body, the palms of your hands get the most sunscreen. However, the backs of that same hand don’t get the same love. Most people focus on their face alone when applying sunscreen, as said already. If they can forget their necks and chests, of course, they don’t think about their feet. I don’t think I have ever used sunscreen on my feet and said feet usually suffer from intense sunburns. Apply sunscreen on your hands and feet. They will thank you for it.
Scalp and Hairline
The one place I think no one ever thinks to apply sunscreen is the scalp. You’re thinking, ‘oh, I’ve got hair, It’ll cover it up. If you’ve got thin hair or you part your hair at all, your skull is exposed. Which means UV rays are definitely getting to it. Except you plan to wear a hat every time you go outside you need to apply sunscreen to your hair and hairline. Get a sunscreen spray and use it often. If you can’t get one, then apply regular sunscreen directly to your scalp.