10 important places you are forgetting to apply sunscreen, according to dermatologists

Caroline FoxJul 9, 2020, 02:25 IST

Make sure the tops and backs of your ears are protected.John D. Buffington/Getty Images

Spending time outside this summer can help boost your mental and physical health, but it's important to protect your skin from the sun so you don't run into future health issues.
Sunburn and, later, skin cancer can happen to any skin type.
Sun-exposed areas, such as the lips, temples, neck, and ears, are especially prone to developing skin cancer, so you must not overlook them when applying sunscreen.
Dermatologists recommend using broad-spectrum sunscreens and lip balms with SPF, and recommend you always reapply, even when sunscreen claims to be waterproof.

Applying sunscreen every day is one of the most effective ways to protect your skin, yet some parts of the body are routinely overlooked.

Insider spoke to Dr. Caren Campbell, a San Francisco-based dermatologist, and Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, a dermatologist and director of the Skin of the Color Division for the University of Miami's department of dermatology, about parts of the body we commonly miss when applying sunscreen.

Here are 10 parts of the body you should remember next time you're applying sunscreen.

According to Campbell, the sides of the face are commonly overlooked and one of the most likely areas to develop skin cancer.

It's important to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Peter Cade/Getty Images

Don't forget your ears either, Campbell said. Apply sunscreen from the outside in.

Make sure the tops and backs of your ears are protected. John D. Buffington/Getty Images

According to Campbell, along with temples and ears, your lips are the third most likely spot to develop skin cancer.

Henry Fraser wears zinc oxide on his lips as he sits in the shade during a visit to the beach. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The sides and back of your neck are also commonly forgotten about, yet they're often exposed to the sun, including when you're driving.

Brandon Inge of the Detroit Tigers sprays sunscreen on his neck before the game against the Oakland Athletics. Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images

You should pay extra attention to your scalp and hair part, and if you have thinning hair, you can protect the top of your head with spray sunscreen or a hat.

Playing a sport outside in the summer can get sweaty, so a hat may be your best form of protection. WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images

While you are rubbing in your sunscreen, don't forget to apply it to the tops of your hands.

Protect your hands. Getty Images Plus

During sandal season, the tops of your feet are also highly exposed and often forgotten.

Try to avoid a flip-flop tan. Getty Images Plus

While it's hard to reach, your back should never be skipped when applying sunscreen.

Asking for help will save you from plenty of future sunburn pain. EyeEm/Getty Images

Your armpits and underarms get especially sweaty in the summer so sunscreen should be reapplied to these areas throughout the day.

Sweat-proof sunscreen will adhere to the skin for a limited time, but still needs to be reapplied. PhotoAlto Agency RF Collections/Getty Images

If you fall asleep on the beach without protective eyewear, your eyelids can get severely burned and leave you in a lot of pain.

Protect your eyes. Allan Grant/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images

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