There is always an annoying area of ​​skin that you miss when it comes to applying sunscreen in the summer. And unfortunately, by the time you realize it, your skin could be beyond rescue and you will have to deal with the aftermath: a stinging sunburn and peeling.

Even the most complete sunscreen applicators can end up with a strange or unexpected burn. Usually, it is not because someone does not care about sunscreen, but because there are certain areas of the body that are easily overlooked and forgotten.

Like any skin that burns with the sun, these areas are at risk of skin damage or develop abnormal cells later.

"Definitely, I have seen some places in the development of skin cancer that may be due to the fact that the application of sunscreen skips them every day, but also to areas that tend to be easily removed and not so effective where people forget to reapply.  DO, board certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.

"In general, with sunscreens, people should wear broad-spectrum sunscreens of SPF 30 or more daily, and the key is to reapply every two hours," he adds.

While the goal is to prevent painful sunburn from occurring, thinking more in the long term, the goal of adequate sun protection is to prevent skin cancer. These are some of the most common areas we miss and how to protect them:

Point # 1: sides and back of the neck

"People can be good at applying sunscreen on their faces, but one area that can often be neglected is the neck,"

While the entire neck needs SPF, including the front part that is generally in the shadow of its jaw, the sides and back of the neck are particularly vulnerable to the sun's harmful rays.

He points out that so much money is spent annually on firming creams, injections and lasers in this area, which are a response to excessive sun exposure and skin aging.

"I surgically removed many skin cancers from basal cells, squamous cells and even melanoma from the sides and back of the neck, which could be prevented with regular use of sunscreen.

"The sides of the neck, especially in cities like Los Angeles (the left side more than the right side typically) can be affected over the years by driving, as this is a common location where the sun hits day after day ".

Prevention

To avoid burning your neck, start with sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, and ideally one that is waterproof if you plan to sweat or swim.

“Apply your sunscreen on the neck starting at the front, then at the sides of the neck and up to the hairline on the back. This will ensure that it is covering the area well, "says.

In addition, you can wear a wide-brimmed hat or one with a collar flap for added protection in the area.

Point # 2: the top of the chest

We're talking about the chest area just above where your shirt stops covering it, just below the start of your neck, or where your collarbone is located.

"For my friends and patients who are runners, this is an area that seems to be overlooked more frequently, board-certified dermatologist and author of "Glow: the dermatologist's guide to a younger diet. of skin for whole foods. " "

"While they will usually remember to do a great job with sunscreen on their faces, it may be harder to remember to protect the neck and upper chest. Although you may be wearing a shirt, that leaves the top of your exposed chest. This is especially true if you wear a V-neck or round neck T-shirt.

Prevention

For this area, you should apply an additional layer of sunscreen or wear a high neck sunscreen shirt. You can even get shirts with SPF (less sun penetrates the fabric) that offer additional protection.



Point # 1: sides and back of the neck


"People can be good at applying sunscreen on their faces, but one area that can often be neglected is the neck,"

While the entire neck needs SPF, including the front part that is generally in the shadow of its jaw, the sides and back of the neck are particularly vulnerable to the sun's harmful rays.

He points out that so much money is spent annually on firming creams, injections and lasers in this area, which are a response to excessive sun exposure and skin aging.

"I surgically removed many skin cancers from basal cells, squamous cells and even melanoma from the sides and back of the neck, which could be prevented with regular use of sunscreen," says Dr. Kassardjian.

"The sides of the neck, especially in cities like Los Angeles (the left side more than the right side typically) can be affected over the years by driving, as this is a common location where the sun hits day after day ".

Prevention


To avoid burning your neck, start with sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, and ideally one that is waterproof if you plan to sweat or swim.

“Apply your sunscreen on the neck starting at the front, then at the sides of the neck and up to the hairline on the back. This will ensure that it is covering the area well, "says Dr. Kassardjian.

In addition, you can wear a wide-brimmed hat or one with a collar flap for added protection in the area.

Point # 2: the top of the chest


We're talking about the chest area just above where your shirt stops covering it, just below the start of your neck, or where your collarbone is located.

"For my friends and patients who are runners, this is an area that seems to be overlooked more frequently," says Rajani Katta, MD, board-certified dermatologist and author of "Glow: the dermatologist's guide to a younger diet. of skin for whole foods. " "

"While they will usually remember to do a great job with sunscreen on their faces, it may be harder to remember to protect the neck and upper chest. Although you may be wearing a shirt, that leaves the top of your exposed chest, "says Dr. Katta. This is especially true if you wear a V-neck or round neck T-shirt.

Prevention


For this area, you should apply an additional layer of sunscreen or wear a high neck sunscreen shirt, says Dr. Katta. You can even get shirts with SPF (less sun penetrates the fabric) that offer additional protection.