Skin cancer surgeon reveals 8 often forgotten places to apply sunscreen including scalp and eyelids

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By Molly Young

18 July 2024

A skin cancer surgeon has revealed eight often forgotten places you must remember to apply sunscreen.

You should be applying sun protection daily, especially as the weather gets warmer and your skin is more exposed to the sun. Most people are aware of the common areas to apply sunscreen, but have you ever considered the places you could be missing?

Skin cancer surgeon reveals forgotten places to apply sunscreen

Doctor Abigail Waldman, known online as Dr. Abby, is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, as well as a Harvard Assistant Professor.

The dermatologist recently shared two public service announcements over on TikTok, reminding people to apply sunscreen on the:

• Scalp
• Back of the hands
• Top of the feet
• Front and back of the neck
• Eyelids
• Lips
• Hairline
• Ears

Dr. Abby explained that this health advice is sincerely coming from herself, “a skin cancer surgeon who cuts out sun-induced cancers” from these areas daily.

As a Mohs micrographic surgeon, Abby surgically removes sun induced skin cancers like SCC, BCC and melanoma every day. Mayo Clinic explains that Mohs surgery is a microscopically controlled surgery procedure used to treat skin cancer that involves cutting away thin layers of skin.

• SUN PROTECTION: Why and how you should be applying sun protection daily

Scalp skin is especially vulnerable to sunburns and dangerous forms of melanoma, so applying sunscreen to your scalp is an absolute must, as Byrdie explains.

It’s important not to forget to apply sunscreen to these areas, or alternatively keep them covered up from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and closed-toe shoes.

@drabby6

As a Mohs micrographic surgeon, I surgically remove sun unduced skin cancers like SCC, BCC and melanoma every day. While many people will apply sunscreen they often avoid or forget the scalp, backs of the hands, top of the feet, and both fromt and back of the neck. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to these areas or wear a wide brimmed hat and closed toe shoes.#sunscreen #sunscreeneveryday #skincancer #dermatologist

♬ Please Please Please – Sabrina Carpenter

How to protect scalp and neck from sun exposure

Dr. Abby’s educational videos have had hundreds of thousands of views, along with a comment section full of curiosity as many viewers wonder how to apply sunscreen on the scalp without causing discomfort on your head or in your hair.

While traditional sunscreen lotions and creams may be unpleasant to apply to your scalp, the dermatologist explained that the best way to protect the scalp from sun exposure is to use spray, powder or dab lotion. Some mist and powder formulations are designed for use on the hairline and part line.

Dr. Abby also advised people to invest in a good, wide-brimmed hat.

According to Arpansa, hats can be a useful addition for sun protection of your head, ears, face and neck, but they will rarely provide sufficient protection on their own to anyone outside during times where sun protection is advised (when the UV level is 3 or higher).

Dr. Abigail Waldman, MD FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist/Mohs surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, as well as a Harvard Assistant Professor.

@drabby6

As a Mohs micrographic surgeon, I surgically remove sun-induced skin cancers like SCC, BCC and melanoma every day. While many people will apply sunscreen they often avoid or forget the eyelids, ears, hairline and lips. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to these areas or wear UV glasses and wide brimmed hat. #sunscreen #sunscreeneveryday #skincancer #dermatologist

♬ Please Please Please – Sabrina Carpenter

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