A dermatologist has taken to social media to share a warning about skipping certain areas of your body when applying sun protection after revealing that she has to treat sun-induced cancers "daily."
Dr. Neera Nathan, a skin surgeon and dermatologist in Boston, Massachusetts, gained over 687,000 views on her viral video—a public service announcement in which she told viewers, "Don't forget to apply sunscreen on the back of your hands, neck, and ears."
In the caption, she added, "On your scalp, too," as she highlighted four areas commonly missed and overlooked during sunscreen application.
Speaking to Newsweek, Nathan explained why it's so important to ensure even application across your whole body.
"Skin cancer can occur on any sun-exposed site, but the neck, scalp, hands and ears are often not protected as diligently as the face or rest of the body. These areas are also often in direct sunlight, like the scalp," she said.
While most people know that they need to apply sunscreen to their faces, the surrounding areas are sometimes forgotten.
"Most people apply sunscreen to their face but don't realize these other areas are susceptible, and these are often in direct sunlight," Nathan said.
She also took the opportunity to highlight other areas that are often overlooked during sunscreen application.
"The lips and eyelids are also susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer formation, so make sure to wear SPF Chapstick or lip product and sunglasses that block UVA/UVB."
For those wanting to take their sun protection seriously but are overwhelmed with the amount of information, Nathan shared her advice for staying safe and getting started: "I recommend a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) SPF 30 or higher that is water-resistant. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours."
Protecting the skin with clothing is also an option.
"Broad-brimmed hats and UPF clothing can also help sun protect, as can seeking shade during peak sunlight hours. Spray/liquid sunscreens can help protect the scalp or part line," Nathan said.
What Do the Comments Say?
The dermatologist's viral video was eye-opening for some viewers who hadn't considered the implications and potential damage caused by the lack of sunscreen in these forgotten areas.
"Scalp!???" one user commented. "Oh my goodness I didn't know that!"
"My hand is triple the age of my face," wrote another TikTok user. "I apply sunscreen to my hand now."
"This!!" a commenter said, seconding Nathan's warning. "I always keep a spray sunscreen with me for easy reapplication for those areas."
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