Missing smaller areas
While you likely remember to slather sunscreen on your arms, legs, stomach and face, many people forget to protect smaller areas. However, experts say these easily missed spots are just as important to shield from the sun’s dangers. Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Matthew Elias says people often forget their ears and feet. Santa Monica, CA dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD says the back of the neck and décolletage are also often missed. “We see a lot of skin cancer on non-facial areas like the ears, chest, arms, legs and back, so sun protection is important to protect all exposed areas of the skin,” says Monroe, LA dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD.
Saddle Brook, NJ dermatologist Dr. Frederic Haberman says during his many years of performing surgery, he’s treated “cases that extended from above the lips and into the nostrils and approach the open of the ear canal,” so it’s important to apply sunscreen to even the most remote areas. Make sure you cover “every surface of your ears including the rims (helix), back of ears and neck, the opening of the ear canals and opening of the nostrils.”