Apply sunscreen, don't ignore these 6 locations

Unless you're wearing a pair of shoes with good coverage like sneakers, your feet can get hit by the sun. According to studies, 3-15% of melanoma skin cancers occur on the feet or ankles.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most adults need about 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to cover exposed skin on their entire body. However, most of them only make about 25-50% of the amount of sunscreen they need to use.

The areas of the face, arms ... are the areas that are interested in applying sunscreen the most. However, says Michele Green, a dermatologist based in New York, "Sunscreen should be used daily regardless of rain or shine and should be reapplied every 2 hours. And if you go swimming or sweating remember to reapply again."

Sunscreen is an inseparable item of many women. Illustrated photo.

Certain areas such as the scalp, lips, ears, neck and chest - tend to be overlooked because of discomfort or because they think they are less exposed to the sun. But many of these sites are among the top regions for skin cancer development, according to the Mayo Clinic, USA.

In fact, getting five or more sunburns doubles your risk of melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation . But using SPF 15+ or higher every day reduces that risk by 50%, so it's important that you apply sunscreen wherever the sun is shining.

90% of skin aging can be caused by the sun, but one study found that people who used a daily sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher experienced 24% less skin aging than those who didn't. Do not use sunscreen.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Next time you apply sunscreen, don't forget about these easily overlooked areas.

Ears

Due to the structure of the ears with many folds, this will not be an easy place for you to apply sunscreen. But the ear is also a place that gets a lot of sun exposure, so don't ignore this position even if you have long hair.

According to experts, the ear is the third most common site for skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend applying enough sunscreen to all areas of the ear including the lobes and the back of the ear.

Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to minimize your risk of getting sick, and make sure you're covering your skin well. And don't forget to wear a hat with a wide brim and seek shade wherever possible.

Head skin

If you think your scalp already has hair protection and doesn't need sunscreen, think again. The head is the highest point of the body, so the scalp is the place that is most exposed to the sun and is prone to burns.

According to experts, although skin cancer on the scalp is uncommon - it accounts for 2-5% of all skin melanomas, to help prevent skin cancer, sunscreen must be applied. Used for scalp and hairline.

You would think that applying sunscreen to the scalp would be very uncomfortable and cause a sticky feeling. But try to find a powder or spray sunscreen designed specifically for the scalp. And always remember to put on a hat before going out in the sun.

Eyelid

The skin around your eyes is thin and prone to skin cancer as well as signs of aging like wrinkles and spots. According to Cancer.Net, the website of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, skin cancers on the eyelids account for up to 10% of all skin cancers.

Many people do not apply sunscreen on their eyelids, concerned that this is a sensitive area and easily spreads into the eyes. However, dermatologists recommend choosing a mineral sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide – formulated for sensitive skin. Alternatively, you can also use an eye cream that contains SPF+.

An indispensable note for girls before leaving the house is to choose for yourself a pair of anti-ultraviolet glasses to help protect your eyelids from the risk of skin cancer and signs of aging. chemical.

Lip

You may not think of your lips as skin, but they are - and skin cancer can develop on the lips, too. Fortunately, protecting this area is simple. All you need is a lip balm with SPF 30+.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, using a lip balm with SPF is a good way to help prevent the development of skin cancer and wrinkles on the lips. You should also reapply lip balm every two hours.

Neck and chest

You work hard to apply sunscreen to your face before leaving the house, but also do not forget to take care of your neck. About 20% of all new melanomas are found in the head and neck area. The neck and chest are also hot spots for skin cancer, and you should pay attention to these areas.

Foot

Unless you're wearing a pair of shoes with good coverage like sneakers, your feet could be exposed to sunlight. The top of the feet are exposed to the sun more, so sunscreen should be applied regularly. In contrast, the soles of the feet are protected by a thick layer of dead skin cells.

However, if the soles of your feet are somehow exposed to UV rays - for example you are lying barefoot on the beach and you should apply sunscreen to this area, melanoma can also develop. there.

According to studies, 3-15% of melanoma skin cancers occur on the feet or ankles.