5 places you're forgetting to apply sunscreen (and need to, according to derms)

Yahoo

5 hours ago

According to a 2023 report published in the scientific journal Cancers, despite an increase in sunscreen use, the number of melanoma cases in the U.S. grew by more than 40% from 2009 to 2019. Researchers attribute this to multiple factors, including a warming planet and a stronger UV index. However, they also make the case that, though most of us know enough to use sunscreen, we may actually be applying our SPF wrong. For starters, "The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF minimum of 30 that has broad-spectrum coverage and is water-resistant," says Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York City.
But it's not enough to choose the right sunscreen — to avoid heightened skin cancer risk, dermatologists say we must know when to apply, how much to put on and how often to reapply. The official advice from the American Academy of Dermatology is that adults need at least 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover their entire faces and bodies. In terms of reapplication, Camp says, "The AAD recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours when outside for extended periods and again after sweating and swimming." Remember that it takes around 15 minutes for sunscreen to fully absorb and start protecting your skin. And, even if you have darker skin, it's important to apply sunscreen frequently, as even the deepest skin tones only offer a natural SPF 13.
Last, and maybe most important, is where you're putting all this sun protection. "The face, torso, arms and legs are the first places people apply sunscreen," says Camp. But he explains there are multiple areas of the body that are often neglected or forgotten when we're hurrying to smear it all on. The AAD suggests sun protection must be applied to "all skin not covered by clothing," which obviously includes areas outside the above scope.
Below, we've outlined the most common places you might be missing with your sunscreen and just what kind of protection each area needs.
When it comes to sun protection, the tops of our feet are an easily forgotten zone — first, because they might be in shoes when you start applying, and second, because they may be wet or covered in sand. But, if left unprotected in the sun, this part of the body is at risk for developing multiple forms of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma. In fact, in populations of color, feet are among the highest risk parts of the body for skin cancer. A good foot sunscreen should be non-greasy, water-resistant and contain a high level of SPF.
Studies show that the ears are the third most common place on the body to develop skin cancer (yikes!) and, still, many people forget to protect them. Among the best sunscreens for this area is a potent mineral SPF stick, which allows for a precise application without the product slipping into your hair.
Once the warm weather hits, experts say you should switch out your winter chapped lip treatment for a balm that contains broad-spectrum SPF. If you're eating, drinking or just tend to frequently lick your lips, the best practice here is to apply early and often.
The easiest way to protect your eyelids from the sun is to consistently wear sunglasses, but, even if you do don shades, sunscreen is a good backup plan. To avoid irritation, choose protection that's specifically made for this sensitive area, ideally an eye cream with SPF.
Camp recommends a wide-brimmed hat for protecting your scalp, but if you plan on swimming, he says, "consider a liquid or powder sunscreen to cover any exposed skin, like the part in your hair."