The 7 Places Everyone Forgets to Apply Sunscreen (But Shouldn’t)
You’re careful with sunscreen—or so you think. But even the most diligent routines often leave surprising spots exposed. These overlooked areas matter more than you realize, and missing them could cost you. It’s time to double-check what you accidentally leave out.
Sides and back of the neck
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Regardless of how you slather your face, UV rays aren’t politely skipping the sides and back of your neck. Dermatologists say these spots often show early signs of aging because people forget them. Sunscreen here helps you avoid sunspots, wrinkles, and weird tan lines that scream, “I forgot!”
Upper chest
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Sun damage loves sneaking up on the upper chest, especially in V-necks and tank tops. It’s one of the first areas specialists notice for sun-related deterioration. Thin, delicate skin here burns faster and shows lines sooner. A daily swipe of SPF saves you from sunburn and saggy décolletage regrets later on.
Lips
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Lips sunburn fast and can’t protect themselves the way other skin does. Most people forget this until they’re stuck with cracked, peeling lips after a day outside. Use a lip balm with SPF every time you head out, whether it’s hot or cloudy. It keeps your lips healthy and helps you avoid those rough, dry patches.
Tops of hands
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Hands catch more beams than people realize, especially when driving or walking outside. This skin is thinner and loses elasticity faster with UV exposure. Sunscreen here helps maintain softness and avoids that patchy, leathery look nobody’s asking for.
Tops of ears
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Funny how ears are smack in the sun’s spotlight, yet somehow overlooked. The tops especially burn fast and often—they’re a sneaky spot for skin cancer, too. A quick dab of sunscreen protects this small but important area. Plus, it saves you from awkwardly explaining why your auricles look like tomatoes.
Tops of feet
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Sandals, pool days, and barefoot afternoons make the spot a bullseye for sunburn. One missed application and you’ll be walking around with bright red reminders for a week. Creaming here prevents painful burns and bizarre tan lines.
Midriff
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When shirts ride up or crop tops make an appearance, the midriff usually gets left out of the sunscreen routine. Just a little sun is enough to leave this spot red and sore for days. Cover up with SPF before you step out—burns here hurt more than you’d expect and linger longer than most.
Scalp
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The scalp burns faster than most realize, especially where hair is thin or parted. A sunburn here feels raw and flakes for days, which makes even brushing uncomfortable. Spray-on sunscreen or a light hat can shield your scalp without fuss. Don’t skip it—this is one burn you’ll definitely want to avoid.
Eyelids
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Eyelids catch more sun than most people think and are quick to burn. The skin here is thin and sensitive, which means sun damage shows up fast. Choose a gentle sunscreen made for faces or put on sunglasses with real UV protection. It’s a simple step that protects your eyes and keeps the skin around them from aging early.
Underarms
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Underarms get hit by the sun more often than you’d expect, especially when you’re swimming or reaching overhead. Forgetting sunscreen here can leave you with uneven, splotchy burns that sting for days. A quick application keeps the skin calm and helps you avoid those awkward, mismatched tan lines.
Back of the knees
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A prime target when lounging, stretching out, or sitting poolside. Beams love this soft, slim skin, and burns on this spot make walking downright miserable. Covering this area prevents painful bending and those awkward, patchy blisters. It’s a fraction that causes big regret when left unprotected, especially after outdoor adventures.
Inner thighs
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Most people don’t realize how easily the inner thighs burn until after a long day at the pool or beach. Sitting or stretching out leaves this area exposed, and a missed spot means raw, sensitive skin that’s slow to heal. Quick coverage with sunscreen keeps things comfortable and helps you avoid awkward tan lines or chafing later.
Hairline
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This border between skin and hair gets ignored, but it sees plenty of sun. Forgetting it leads to scorching effects that flake, itch, and look suspicious. Dab sunscreen or wear a hat for easy coverage. It’s a small step that keeps this strip from peeling like it’s shedding its season.
Around the eyes
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Skin around the eyes is quick to burn and slow to heal. Use a mineral or gentle sunscreen that won’t irritate, and be careful not to rub it in too close to your lashes. Sunglasses add another layer, but don’t skip the SPF. Sunburn here feels gritty and looks worse, so take the extra minute to protect this area.
Under the chin
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Reflected sunlight bounces up from water, sand, and pavement to hit this spot. It burns faster than expected and heals slower than you’d like. A quick paint prevents uncomfortable redness and the kind of peeling that feels impossible to ignore. It’s an easy fix for a part often missed entirely.