Where People Forget to Apply Sunscreen: Overlooked Areas That Need Protection

Applying sunscreen before heading outdoors has become a familiar part of many people's routine. Yet, even those who use sunscreen regularly often leave several small — but important — areas exposed. Those forgotten spots can receive just as much ultraviolet (UV) radiation as the rest of the body, increasing the risk of sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and protecting your skin requires more than simply applying sunscreen to your face and arms. Consistent use of sunscreen, protective clothing and shade can all help reduce harmful UV exposure.

Michael Kasper, M.D., radiation oncologist at the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist Health, says sunscreen works best as part of a broader sun-protection strategy.

"We get many questions about applying sunscreen, and certainly covering up is the best strategy," explains Dr. Kasper in a recent Baptist Health Instagram reel.

He notes that clothing alone is rarely enough. "But it's almost impossible to completely cover up, and it's effective to use sunscreen in conjunction with wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeve shirts, " adds Dr. Kasper.

Most Commonly Forgotten Areas

Many people focus on the areas that are easiest to see, such as the face, shoulders and legs. However, several smaller areas receive significant sun exposure without attracting much attention.

Dr. Kasper says people frequently miss:

• The ears
• The scalp
• The neck
• The backs of the hands
• The tops of the feet
• The lips

Because these areas are often overlooked, they may receive repeated UV exposure over many years. "But people forget to apply sunscreen in the ears, scalp, neck, hands, and top of feet," he said.

Even a short walk outdoors, driving a car or spending time at the beach can expose these locations to substantial sunlight.

Don't Forget Your Ears

The ears are one of the easiest places to overlook when applying sunscreen. Yet they are often fully exposed to the sun, especially for people with short hair or those who wear their hair pulled back.

The tops and outer edges of the ears receive direct sunlight during many outdoor activities. Dermatologists frequently diagnose skin cancers in this location because protection is often inconsistent.

When applying sunscreen, remember both the front and back of the ears, as well as the upper rim.

Protect Your Scalp

Hair provides some protection, but not complete coverage. People with thinning hair, bald spots or shaved heads are particularly vulnerable to sunburn on the scalp.

Applying sunscreen to the part line and any exposed areas can help reduce damage. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat offers another important layer of protection during extended time outdoors.

Powder, spray and stick sunscreens formulated for the scalp may make reapplication easier without making hair feel greasy.

The Neck Is Easy to Miss

Many people carefully apply sunscreen to their face but stop at the jawline.

The sides and back of the neck often receive direct sunlight while walking, exercising, gardening or driving. These areas are especially vulnerable because they may remain uncovered for hours.

Dr. Kasper says many people recognize this only after experiencing a painful burn.

"Many of you have memories of severe sunburns on the top of the feet or the back of the neck where you forgot,” he said. “These are areas that you really need to make sure that you do apply sunscreen."

Hands Receive Sun Exposure Every Day

The backs of the hands are exposed almost constantly. Whether driving, walking outdoors or simply running errands, hands receive cumulative UV exposure throughout the year.

Unlike many other body parts, hands are rarely covered by clothing during warm weather.

Frequent hand washing can also remove sunscreen, making reapplication especially important after washing or using hand sanitizer.

Don't Ignore the Tops of Your Feet

Sandals, flip-flops and open shoes leave the tops of the feet exposed for much of the spring and summer.

Many people discover this only after returning home with a painful sunburn. Because the feet are out of sight during sunscreen application, they can easily be forgotten.

Dr. Kasper emphasizes that these areas “get more sun in these areas than you think."

Applying sunscreen before putting on sandals—and reapplying after swimming—can help prevent burns.

Lips Need Sun Protection Too

The lips contain delicate skin that can be damaged by UV radiation just like the rest of the face.

Unlike traditional sunscreen, lip products are easily removed through eating, drinking or simply licking your lips.

Dr. Kasper says many people underestimate how often they need to reapply. "Remember, the lips are very important because we are constantly licking our lips or eating,” he explains. “Make sure you apply sunscreen to your lips after you eat."

Choosing a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher can provide additional protection during daily activities.

Make Sunscreen Part of Your Daily Routine

Sun protection should not be reserved for beach vacations or summer afternoons. UV rays reach the skin throughout the year, even on cloudy days. They also penetrate car windows and can reflect off water, sand, concrete and snow, increasing exposure.

Being consistent in applying sunscreen makes it less likely that important areas will be overlooked.

"We should make this a part of our daily routine," Dr. Kasper emphasizes.

Experts generally recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it about 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, or sooner after swimming or heavy sweating.

Sun Safety Strategy

No sunscreen blocks 100 percent of UV radiation. That is why health experts recommend combining multiple forms of protection.

A comprehensive approach includes:

• Applying broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to all exposed skin.
• Wearing wide-brimmed hats to protect the face, ears and neck.
• Choosing lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants when practical.
• Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses to protect the eyes and surrounding skin.
• Seeking shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
• Reapplying sunscreen regularly, particularly after swimming, sweating or towel drying.