Slather on the Sunscreen—And Don’t Miss These Spots!

I seriously cringe these days thinking about the damage I did to my skin in my youth. Hours in the sun with the sole goal of getting a tan? My super-pale skin is now a testament to the fact that those days are over. And now that I have a fair-skinned little girl whom I want to protect from the sun’s rays, I am boning up on my sunscreen know-how, courtesy of these tips from Dr. Sandra Lee, a board-certified dermatologist.

6 Places Not to Forget the Sunscreen

1. Feet. Though manicured toes are fun, sunburned feet are not. Make sure to apply sunscreen to all areas of the feet to avoid any burns.

2. Backs of hands. In the summer, it is vital to protect your hands, an area you may forget when stepping outside. Opt for a lotion that contains SPF 15 to 30 to protect and hydrate your hands.

3. Ears. Don’t forget to protect your ears when applying sunscreen to your face. The skin on your ears is both sensitive and delicate, and the tops of your ears are particularly exposed to the sun’s rays. Throw on a wide-brimmed hat for a bit of sun protection and fashion.

4. Chest/neck. You don’t want “breases,” the vertical creases that can occur on your chest from sun damage and excess sun exposure. The skin on your neck and chest is exposed to the same amount of sun as your face, and in order to prevent any damage, it needs just as much attention. The skin on your neck and chest is thin, so generously apply sunscreen in those two often-ignored areas. Sunburn in the chest/neck is not only painful, but unappealing when dressed in your favorite summer clothing.

5. Lips. Before applying your favorite lip gloss, be sure to apply lipstick or balm containing SPF 15 or above to protect the lips. Apply it regularly throughout the day to avoid sun damage.

6. Scalp. As the sun beams down over your head, it is an important to note the No. 1 most overlooked area that requires protection from the sun: your scalp. Because you probably don’t want to pile on sunscreen over your hair and a hat may not be your favorite option, grab a scarf and tie it around your head like a bandana. Another option is to use sunscreen spray: Spray it on your fingertips and use your fingers to apply the liquid to the part in your hair, the area of your scalp most susceptible to sunburn.

After you get yourself lathered up, hit up the kiddos. Don’t be afraid to use a lot of sunscreen—one ounce (enough to fill a shot glass!) is considered to be the amount needed to cover the body properly, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. (Check out the American Academy of Pediatrics’ website for more sunscreen tips for infants and kiddos!) Don’t forget to reapply to the kiddos often, and don’t neglect yourself during reapplications. This is definitely one of those times when not taking care of yourself could burn! Har har. —Erin