Thankfully, by this point, we all know the memo. Sunscreen. Every day. Winter and summer. Cloudy and sunny. Apply generously and often. But here’s the thing: Even the most SPF-savvy among us miss some sneaky spots (if you’ve ever burned the soles of your feet then tried to walk, we feel your pain, literally). So let’s fix that—and protect your skin from head to toe.
Scalp
“Sprinkle a powdered sunscreen along your hairline and part to protect exposed skin”, says dermatologic surgeon Dr. Howard Sobel. Another (super obvious) option? Wear a hat!
Ears
Your ears need SPF, too. Apply sunscreen generously to the tips and backs, especially if you’re wearing your hair up.
Eyelids
“The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your body, making it especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV rays”, says Dr. Sobel. Use a sunscreen stick to avoid getting SPF in your eyes.
Lips
“Your lips have fewer oil glands, so they’re less capable of naturally moisturizing and repairing themselves,” which makes them more prone to dryness and sunburn, says dermatologist Dr. Renee Snyder. Keep an SPF lip balm handy and save reflective glosses for nighttime (they can actually intensify UV damage).
Neck and decolletage
SPF on your chest is a must—it protects against sun damage, aging and spotty skin later in life. Apply before putting on your bra or bikini to cover every spot, including around your straps. Prone to chest acne? Opt for a breakout-proof formula.
Back
Don’t forget your back—it’s an area that often gets a lot of sun exposure and can be prone to the most damage. Struggling to reach it? A spray SPF helps, but you’ll get more even coverage if you can ask a friend to help apply lotion.
Back of the knees
Re-apply SPF everywhere every two hours—especially to sweatier spots like the backs of your knees (which can burn easily, since the skin is thinner and more sensitive).
Hands
Your hands get a ton of sun exposure and, if you wash them after applying SPF, all that protection is literally going down the drain. And remember: Water-resistant doesn’t mean waterproof. Re-apply as your last step, making sure to get between
your fingers and around your cuticles.
Nails
Surprisingly, the skin under your nails is subject to damage. UV rays can penetrate through and around the nail (even with polish), reveals Dr. Sobel. A UV-inhibiting top coat can provide a protective layer and refresh your mani.
Feet
Slather SPF on the tops of your feet and even the soles (yes, you can burn the bottoms).
Your UV-Proof Starter Pack
Bye-bye, bad burns. This kit’s got everything you need to keep your skin safe.
Hey, girl! Just to let you know, this piece originally ran in our June/July 2025 issue. Read our print mag for free *today* when you click HERE!
More articles about sunscreen, right this way…
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🧴How to reapply sunscreen (the easy way)
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