Sunscreen For Your Scalp, Ears and Other Body Parts You Usually Forget About

photo credit: shutterstock

Don’t forget…

“Most commonly, people tend to get skin cancer in areas that are repeatedly burned and exposed to the sun – the damage is cumulative. Skin cancer develops primarily on the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women,” says Dr. Paul Cohen, owner of the Rosedale Dermatology Centre in Toronto.

“But it can also form on areas that rarely see the light of day – your palms, beneath your nails and around your genital area. Not all melanomas are related to sun exposure; those other types of melanoma can occur anywhere, not just in areas exposed to the sun.” That’s why it’s important to check for skin cancer everywhere, especially the places you usually ignore.

To help you stay protected, we’ve rounded up the best sunscreen for your scalp, lips, ears and all those other easy-to-forget places.

photo credit: shiseido

Sunscreen for your scalp

The light, non-sticky texture (and convenient application!) of this sunscreen spray makes it the perfect formulation for your scalp. Spray along your part and hairline for broad spectrum protection. You should also be using a protective spray on your hair strands to shield it from UV rays and pollution — which can do a lot of damage to your hair colour.

Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Spray, $45 at Hudson’s Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale, Sephora, London Drugs and Jean Coutu

Photo Credit: Lovefresh

Sunscreen for your ears

This all-natural zinc oxide sun stick is perfect for small areas (like your ears) and on-the-go touchups. Toss it in your purse or your gym bag and you never need to worry about spills. (Like the idea of a physical sunscreen with zinc? Here are all the best mineral sunscreen options.)

Lovefresh Sun & Sport Stick, SPF 30, $15 at shophealthhut.com

photo credit: shiseido

Sunscreen for your lips

This handy sunscreen for your lips provides the often-neglected feature with hearty protection, and a wash of fresh colour.

Shiseido UV Lip Color Splash SPF 30 in Nairobi Orange, Miami Pink, Uluru Red and Tahiti Blue, $30 each at Hudson’s Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale, Sephora, London Drugs and Jean Coutu

photo credit: vichy

Sunscreen for your face

Fast-drying and designed to absorb sweat, oil and sebum for a lasting matte finish. And if you really want that sun-kissed glow, try a faux tan instead.

Vichy Idéal Soleil Anti-Shine Dry Touch Lotion SPF 60, $29 at vichy.ca

photo credit: neutrogena

Sunscreen for your neck and chest

Loaded with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, this gel melts into skin with no telltale residue. And don’t forget to apply your sunscreen the right way (yes, there is a wrong way).

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50, $20 at mass retailers

photo credit: coppertone

Sunscreen for your arms, hands and legs

A creamy moisturizing foam with SPF 50 is equal parts protection and pampering.

Coppertone Clearly Sheer Whipped, $10 at mass retailers

Next, find out what your zodiac sign could mean for your health.