We all know that applying SPF 50 sunscreen everyday can prevent signs of ageing as well as developing harmful skin cancers or worse still, melanoma. The most common place for sun damage is the face, however there are areas on the face, as well as other parts of the body that we commonly forget to apply to.
When applying sunscreen to the face, we usually go straight to the nose. Whilst the nose is one of the most likely places to get sun burnt, there is one important area that we tend to avoid - under the eyes and on the eyelids. So many sunscreens sting the eyes and so it is human nature to avoid going anywhere near them with sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens, like New Day Skin products are less likely to cause stinging, so when in doubt - go for zinc based creams over chemical sunscreens.
Lips are another high risk area on the face that often get forgotten. Sunburnt lips can be painful and can cause blisters and cold sores very quickly, as well as long term scarring and sun damage. Using an SPF 50 lip balm or zinc based cream will protect your lips from the dangerous sun effects.
We naturally rub sunscreen all over our arms and shoulders, chest and back when hitting the beach, but we often forget our hands and fingers. Our hands are exposed to the sun more than any other part of our body over a lifetime and yet we all too often ignore them when it comes to applying sunscreen.
In line with forgetting our hands is forgetting to apply SPF 50 to our feet and toes. Skin cancer can develop in between toes and yet it is rarely a place that we think to apply sunscreen. In warmer climates like Australia, wearing thongs (or double pluggers) is a given. Our feet are exposed to UVA/UVB rays all the time and yet we more often completely forget about applying SPF 50 sunscreen to them.
So where is the most forgotten place to apply SPF 50 sunscreen? Your scalp! Your scalp is some of the most sensitive skin on your body, but most people don’t put sunscreen on their scalp because let’s face it, it can be messy and complicated to do so. Using an eyeshadow brush to apply sunscreen to your hair part can make the job a little easier.
Next time you apply sunscreen, think about the areas that we all too often ignore. Your eyes, lips, hands and feet and scalp will thank you for it.