You’ve probably got your sunscreen routine down: face, arms, maybe legs too, if they’re showing. But even the most sun-savvy people often miss a few key areas that are especially vulnerable to UV damage. In fact, some of the most common sites for skin cancer are the very places people tend to forget. For example, do you remember to apply sunscreen to your ears, the back of your hands, your neck, chest, or even your scalp? Over time, these overlooked areas can add up to sunburn, premature aging, and increased skin cancer risk.
Why These Commonly Missed Body Parts Need Sun Protection
Sun protection isn’t just about how much sunscreen you’re applying, it’s also about making sure you’re covering all the right areas. Some of the most sun-damaged skin shows up in the places we tend to forget. These less obvious zones, often exposed during everyday activities like walking, driving, or sitting near a window, can still absorb significant UV radiation throughout the day.
Sunscreen is an excellent tool for protecting your skin from both types of harmful ultraviolet rays that reach the earth’s surface: UVA and UVB. But it’s not the only option. Broad-spectrum protection can also come in the form of UPF-rated clothing and sun protection accessories that don’t require reapplication. Here are the places you don’t want to forget when it comes to sun protection (and how to shield them effectively):
1. Lips
Why it matters: Your lips have some of the thinnest skin on your body and almost no melanin, which means they’re highly susceptible to sunburn. Chronic sun exposure can lead to a condition called actinic cheilitis, a precancerous change in the lower lip.
How to protect: Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher and reapply it regularly, especially after eating, drinking, or swimming. Look for options labeled "broad-spectrum" for UVA and UVB protection.
2. Eyelids and Around the Eyes
Why it matters: The skin here is thin and sensitive, and eyelids are a common site for skin cancers. Because this area is often overlooked during sunscreen application, it’s especially important to protect it intentionally.
How to protect: Use a mineral-based sunscreen that’s safe for sensitive skin, or wear UV-blocking sunglasses with wraparound coverage to shield both your eyes and the surrounding skin.
3. Scalp and Hair Part Line
Why it matters: The top of your head is closest to the sun, and if you have a part in your hair (or thinning hair or a shaved head), your scalp is getting direct UV exposure. Sunburn here can be painful and dangerous. Even people with thick hair can get burned along the crown or part line, especially during peak hours.
How to protect: Spray sunscreen for the scalp is a good option, but the easiest fix is to wear a UPF-rated hat. Look for one that offers full coverage and ventilation to keep you cool and protected.
4. Ears and Nose
Why it matters: Ears are one of the most common sites for skin cancer, especially in people who spend time outdoors without hats. The nose is another high-risk area (especially the bridge and tip), as it sticks out and receives direct sun exposure all day. Both areas are easy to forget during sunscreen application yet get significant UV exposure.
How to protect: Don’t skip your ears or nose when applying sunscreen. A UPF-rated wide-brimmed hat with neck and face coverage offers added protection without needing to reapply as often.
5. Neck and Chest
Why it matters: The skin on the front and back of your neck and your upper chest is often exposed but rarely protected, making it prone to sun damage, leading to fine lines and sunspots. These areas are frequently overlooked, even though they’re among the first to show signs of aging.
How to protect: Apply sunscreen down your neck and across your collarbone and chest area every single day. Or wear UPF clothing with a higher neckline or a hood for continuous coverage that won’t wear off.
6. Under the Chin and Jawline
Why it matters: UV rays reflect off surfaces like sand, water, and concrete, often hitting areas we don’t think about protecting. Because these zones are shaded from above, it’s easy to assume they’re safe, but reflective UV can still cause damage.
How to protect: Be thorough with sunscreen application or wear UPF gaiters that shield the underside of your face.
7. Back of Hands
Why it matters: Your hands are exposed all day while you go about most daily activities. Over time, UV exposure can cause sunspots and visible aging. Frequent handwashing also wears sunscreen off faster here than almost anywhere else.
How to protect: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on the backs of your hands and reapply often, especially after washing them. UPF gloves or long sleeves with thumbholes offer extended protection and are a great option while driving to block UV through car windows.
8. Inside of Elbows and Back of Knees
Why it matters: These areas bend and stretch, causing sunscreen to wear off more quickly, and they’re easy to overlook. Because they crease and flex during movement, they may get more sun exposure than you realize.
How to protect: Apply sunscreen thoroughly and reapply if you’ve been sweating or moving around a lot. UPF clothing is a great solution for consistent coverage without reapplication.
9. Lower Back
Why it matters: Whether you're bending over, reaching up, or wearing cropped tops, your lower back can get unexpectedly exposed. It’s a commonly forgotten spot that’s just as vulnerable to sunburn as your shoulders. Activities like gardening, biking, or paddleboarding can leave this area directly in the sun’s path without you realizing it.
How to protect: Double-check that sunscreen is applied all the way down your back, or if you prefer not to wear sunscreen under clothes, choose longer UPF shirts or rash guards to protect your midsection.
10. Feet and Tops of Toes
Why it matters: If you’re wearing sandals or are barefoot, your feet are exposed and prone to painful burns. The risk is especially high around sand or water, where reflective surfaces intensify UV exposure.
How to protect: Apply sunscreen generously to the tops of your feet and between your toes whenever you’re outdoors.
The Essential Takeaway: Effective Sun Protection Is in the Details
UV damage adds up in the areas you forget. These often-missed spots are just as vulnerable as the rest of your body and deserve the same level of care and protection.
Daily sun safety doesn’t have to be complicated. Even remembering to cover something as small as your lips or the tops of your ears can make a big difference in preventing long-term damage. A mix of broad-spectrum sunscreen and UPF 50+ clothing makes it easy to stay protected, without constantly reapplying or stressing over the spots you may have missed.
Explore Essuntials for comfortable, stylish sun protection that is designed to protect the spots you’re most likely to forget.
Live well under the sun!
Content Disclaimer: This website offers general information about health and related subjects. All content and media on the Essuntials® website are published online for informational and educational purposes only. We do not claim ownership over any 3rd-party content used, which belongs to its respective owners. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. For any medical concerns, please seek professional medical advice.
