Published on Mar 17, 2025 5 min read

7 Most Forgotten Spots for Sunscreen and How to Cover Them: A Guide

Think you have covered every inch with sunscreen? Think again. Most people regularly protect their faces and arms using sunscreen, but some areas are often forgotten, making them vulnerable to harmful UV rays. Remember that sunscreen is not just a summer essential; it is an important part of your daily routine because it protects against sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.

Applying sunscreen correctly means that every exposed spot gets the protection it needs. This article will discuss which areas are most commonly missed and how to protect them. You will also know about common mistakes people make to help you protect your skin from the sun! 

7 Most Forgotten Spots For Sunscreen 

Sunscreen is an important part of any good skincare routine. It protects you from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Many people apply sunscreen to their faces and arms, but some areas are frequently overlooked. Below you find the seven most commonly missed areas and why they deserve your attention:

Neck:

The neck is the most neglected spot for sunscreen. People are good at applying sunscreen to their faces but often neglect the neck. They should understand that the whole neck needs protection, especially the part of the neck, like the back and side, because they are exposed to the sun and can get damaged more easily. Repeated sunburns on the neck can speed up aging and cause wrinkles and sunspots. To protect from the sun, use a high-SPF sunscreen and reapply every two hours, particularly if you are sweating or swimming.

Ears:

The ears are small but highly exposed areas that many people forget to protect. The ears' tops, back, and lobes are always exposed to direct sunlight. It makes them more likely to get sunburned, which can be painful and harmful. According to dermatologists, ears are a common spot for skin cancers like basal and squamous cells, which can be caused by too much sun exposure. To protect the ears, people should apply a generous amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Make sure to cover all parts of the ear, such as behind and around the edges.

Lips:

The lips are another sensitive area that many people forget to protect. Lips do not have much melanin to protect them from UV rays, so they can easily get damaged by the sun. Sunburned lips can become dry, cracked, and painful. It is important to protect the lips because lip cancers are serious and can spread quickly if not caught early. A lip balm with SPF 30 or higher is the best way to protect lips. Women should look for lip products with broad-spectrum protection to shield against UVA and UVB rays.

Hands:

Our hands are constantly exposed to the sun, yet they are mostly forgotten in the sunscreen routine. Another mistake is that people must remember to reapply the screen after washing hands and using sanitizer. If you don't protect your hands and forget to reapply sunscreen frequently, you will have a higher risk of skin cancer on your hands and other problems. You should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply after washing your hands. Another good way to do this is to use a hand cream with SPF daily.

Tops of Feet and Toes:

If you are wearing sandals, flip-flops, or walking barefoot, the tops of your feet and toes are directly exposed to the sun. Many people forget to apply sunscreen to this area and get painful burns. The skin on your feet is just as likely to be damaged by UV rays as any other body part. Sunburned feet can be extremely uncomfortable, making simple tasks like walking difficult. To protect your skin, apply sunscreen in a good amount to the tops of your feet and toes, and don't forget the ankles.

Eyelids:

The eyelids are the most sensitive part of the human body and are often ignored when applying sunscreen. Many people avoid this area due to the fear of irritation or stinging. The skin on your eyelids is extremely thin, so it can be damaged by UV easily. UV exposure can also develop skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma around the eyes. Choose a sunscreen for sensitive skin containing minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Scalp:

Most people don't even consider applying sunscreen to the scalp. People with thin hair, bald spots, or a defined part should do so. Even those with thick hair are not entirely protected because UV rays can penetrate through hair strands. Sunburn on the scalp is painful and increases the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer on the scalp can be difficult to detect early because of hair coverage. You can use a spray sunscreen or a powder sunscreen specifically designed for the scalp.

Common Mistakes People Make When Using Sunscreen

Here are some common mistakes a lot of people make while applying sunscreen, and you need to avoid them:

• Not Applying The Sunscreen Properly: Proper sunscreen application ensures complete coverage. Make sure to apply the sun cream in smaller parts to avoid missing any sports.
• Not Using Sunscreen According To Your Skin Type: People mostly use the wrong sunscreen. Before using any sunscreen, know if it is made for your skin type. It is suggested that you choose products that have natural and gentle ingredients.
• Forgets To Reapply Sunscreen: It is important to understand reapplying sunscreen is very important. It is better to apply the sunscreen after every two hours. 

Conclusion:

Applying sunscreen correctly is very important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects. Don’t forget those mostly forgotten spots like the neck, ears, and lips. It is important to take care of every part of our body. Remember that you can protect your skin by making sunscreen a daily habit and covering all exposed areas!