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10 Places We Never Remember to Put Sunscreen
Photo credit: bigstock
Even though everyone knows that they should wear sunscreen every day. However, actually doing it, applying sufficient amounts, or putting it on correctly, well, that’s another story, isn’t it?
One of the most common forms of cancer in the USA is skin cancer. In 2010 more than 9,000 Americans died from aggressive forms of skin cancer. If you have gotten sunburns in your lifetime, you are already at a higher risk for skin cancer.
Early detection has made many skin cancer cases treatable, but why treat it if you can prevent it. Many cases of skin cancer can be prevented if you remember to put sunscreen on the places many people forget.
Check out our list of the top 10 places everyone forget to put sunscreen and show skin cancer the door OUT.
1. Scalp
Yes, unless you always wear a hat, you need to put it on your scalp. How many times did you realize that you didn’t use sunscreen and then went to comb your hair the next day? OUCH! Yep, bet you remembered then! Are you worried about messing up your hair with sunscreen? Many new types are a dry, powdered like spray. Or use regular sunscreen and then just put your hair in a ponytail and forget about it.
SEE MORE: Get Skin Ready for Summer Infographic
2. Ears
The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal published a study in 2007 that showed that, taking 3rd place, are the ears. The University of California San Francisco says that basal cell carcinoma will make up at least 80 percent of the 1.3 million cases of non-lethal skin cancer in America every single year.
3. Eyelids
Ok, so you think putting on those big black shades will protect you but how many times a day do you take them off to see or to avoid tan lines? Ok, so sunscreen in the eye is about as much fun as a finger in the eye, but if you use an eye cream or face moisturizer with built in sunscreen, you will find that it’s more easily absorbed and won’t run or drip into your eyes. Just remember to reapply a few times if the SPF is on the low side. Find out how personal care products can harm you.
4. Under the Straps
Did you know that you can still get sunburn even through your shirt, shorts, sundress, or swimsuit? (Unless it’s made of UV blocking material) So remember to put sunscreen under the straps, ladies! That includes swimsuit straps, bra straps, halter top straps, and sundress straps. It’s probably best to just cover your entire body when you are in your birthday suit so you won’t miss a single spot.
5. Armpits
Don’t forget the pits! It’s true we walk around a lot with our arms down, but not all day long. Especially if we are talking about playing volleyball or relaxing by the pool.
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Photo credit: bigstock
6. Tops of Your Feet
Think about it, those flip flops are just bikini straps for your feet! If you have ever had sunburn on the top of your feet you know that it just might be the most painful place to get a sunburn EVER! Put sunscreen all around your feet, the back of your heels, between and on top of your toes, and the top of your feet, all the way to the ankle. (Don’t forget the ankle itself, either!)
7. Back of Your Hands
Ok, so sunscreen can be greasy feeling so you wash your hands after applying, we get it. But if you do that, you are leaving your hands dangerously under protected. Although the palms of our hands and the soles of our feet have layers and layers of thick dead skin so they really don’t burn but the back of your hands aren’t so lucky. So rub your palms with a towel if you must but leave that sunscreen on your hands.
8. Back of Your Knees
This is another spot where sunburn is really nothing to laugh about! We remember to do our thighs and calves but what about the back of our knees? It’s kinda in the neutral zone, isn’t it? That place where no one goes? (If you’re a Star Trek fan, you know what we mean) Well, whatever the reason, no more neglecting the back of our knees! If you forget, you will never want to walk again!
SEE ALSO: Top 10 Foods You Can Eat for a Perfect Tan
9. Lips
Your lower lip in particular has a special need for sunscreen love! It’s more than 12 times as likely to get cancer as your top lip. There are plenty of lip balms with sunscreen, so there is no reason to not use it. Men, this means you, too. Lip balm comes in unscented, and color free options so you can feel comfortable using it also.
10. Those Private Places
There is a really good reason we suggest getting nude when you apply sunscreen. Many women (and some men) like to “take it all off” when sunbathing. So if you put sunscreen around your bikini top, but then take OFF that bikini top for a little all-around tanning, you are risking some sunburn (and therefore, skin cancer) in some very private areas. This also goes for those Brazilian wax jobs you get, ladies. The reason for that is to show a little more skin, isn’t it? So don’t forget to put some sunscreen in those oh so sensitive areas that don’t usually see the sun.
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