An expert has issued an urgent sunscreen warning to Brits telling them not to ignore the skin around their eyes as it could lead to a deadly disease. According to certified dermatologist, Olga Skydan, the under eyes and eyelids are commonly forgotten when it comes to applying sun cream.
This could leave you vulnerable to skin cancer, the fifth most common form of cancer in the UK, she said.
Olga, from app Luvly, shared six common areas of the body that are typically overlooked and left unprotected from the sun, making them more susceptible to skin cancer.
Firstly she encouraged people to use sun cream around the eyes, even if you plan on wearing sunglasses.
“The skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive, making it more susceptible to UV damage,” she said. “The lower eyelid is particularly vulnerable, given it rarely gets a break from direct sunlight exposure.
“But getting sunscreen in your eyes is a whole other problem, so take it slow. Lightly dab lightweight SPF cream above, below, and in the corners of your eyes, getting as close to the waterline as possible.”
Hairline and scalp
For the best protection against skin cancer of the scalp she advised wearing a hat.
“With the sun beaming down from above, your scalp is under constant assault — and it’s not as if you can lather on a generous amount of sunscreen and go about your day, unless you’re okay with greasy hair that looks and feels a little gross,” Olga said. “Your best bet? Wear a hat if you have to head out.”
Back of the neck
She continued: “Out of sight and often hidden behind hair, this area is almost always overlooked. But just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean the sun can’t. Your neck needs a healthy dose of sunscreen, especially if you have short hair or wear your hair up.”
Ears
Ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn due to the way they stick out.
Olga said: “Don’t just slap on some cream and hope for the best… you need to smother them, top to bottom, and ensure they’re entirely covered.”
Lips
“Like your eyes, your lips are also prone to burning, but the risk is even higher, given the early signs of cancer are often mistaken for herpes and ignored,” she said.
“They need protection, but if you’re not particularly keen on the taste of sunscreen, invest in a protective lip balm that offers an SPF of 30 or higher — and reapply it every time you eat, drink, or swim.”
Hands and feet
Again, we often forget about our hands and feet when applying sun cream.
Olga added: “Hands and fingers are always in sight, actively interacting with the outside world; similarly, you should take care of your feet, especially if you wear open shoes.”
According to Cancer Research UK, skin cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in the UK, accounting for around 17,500 diagnoses. It is also linked to around 2,300 deaths in the UK every year.
Common symptoms of skin cancer include a sore or area of skin that:
- Doesn’t heal within four weeks
- Looks unusual
- Hurts, is itchy, bleeds, crusts or scabs for more than four weeks.
If you experience symptoms of skin cancer you should speak to your GP.