Most of us apply sunscreen the same way every time: a quick pass over the face, the arms and maybe the legs, then out the door. The trouble is that a few spots get skipped again and again, and by the end of a long July day they are often the ones that feel tight, warm and pink. Here is a head-to-toe checklist of the places people commonly miss, with a few simple fixes.
Head and face
- The tops and backs of the ears. Ears stick out into the sun and are easy to forget. A sunscreen stick makes them simple to cover.
- The hairline and the part in your hair. A wide-brimmed hat is the easiest answer. Some sunscreens are made for the scalp, including powders and light sprays.
- Around the eyes. Many people avoid this area because sunscreen can sting. A stick or a formula labeled for the eye area can help, and sunglasses do the rest.
- The lips. Look for a lip balm with SPF and reapply it after eating and drinking.
- Under the jaw and the sides of the nose. These areas tend to get a quick swipe rather than a full coat.
Neck, chest and arms
- The back of the neck. It is fully exposed when you garden, read on the porch or walk with your head bent toward a phone. Collared shirts and hats with a back brim help.
- The chest and neckline. Open collars, sundresses and swimsuits leave this area out in the sun for hours.
- The backs of the hands. Hands are washed often, which removes sunscreen. Reapply after washing, especially when you are driving or gardening.
- The shoulders and upper back. These are hard to reach on your own. Ask for help, or choose a shirt or swim top that covers them.
Legs and feet
- The backs of the knees and legs. Easy to skip and easy to burn, especially when lying face down at the pool or the beach.
- The tops of the feet. Sandal season means bare feet in the sun all day. Apply sunscreen to the tops of the feet and the ankles, and reapply after swimming or walking through wet grass.
Habits that make it easier
Coverage is less about the perfect product and more about routine. Apply sunscreen before you dress, so the edges of your clothes are covered too. Use a generous amount, following the directions on the label, and reapply as the label advises, especially after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Check expiration dates and replace bottles that are old or have spent the summer baking in a hot car.
Shade, hats, sunglasses and lightweight long sleeves all help, and on the brightest days they do much of the work. Planning outdoor time for the early morning or evening keeps you out of the strongest midday sun.
A note on sunglasses and skin checks
When choosing sunglasses, look for a label that says they block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, sometimes listed as UV400. Darker lenses alone do not guarantee protection.
Summer is also a natural time to notice your skin. If you see a spot that is new, changing, itching or bleeding, or anything that simply worries you, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist. Sun care is one of the simplest forms of self-care, and a few extra seconds on the ears, lips and feet make it complete.