Sunscreen Spots You Miss: Ears, Hands and More
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The spots people most often miss with sunscreen are the ears, the back and sides of the neck, the hairline and part line, the eyelids and around the eyes, the lips, and the backs of the hands. These areas get plenty of sun, especially in an Australian summer, so it's worth building them into your routine. A sun stick is the easiest way to cover small or awkward areas, both in the morning and when you reapply.
Why we miss these spots
Most of us apply face sunscreen the same way we apply moisturiser: cheeks, forehead, nose and chin, then stop. But the sun doesn't stop at the jawline. Ears stick out, necks are exposed whenever hair is up, and hands are in the sun every time you drive, walk or hold a phone outside. Small areas also lose sunscreen faster through sweat, swimming and touching.
The commonly missed areas
1. Ears
The tops and backs of the ears catch direct sun and are easy to forget, particularly with short hair or a ponytail. After applying sunscreen to your face, run what's left on your fingers over the tops, fronts and backs of your ears.
2. Neck (front, sides and back)
Take your face sunscreen down to your neck every morning. If your hair is up, include the back of the neck. This is also where a lot of visible sun-related ageing shows up later.
3. Hairline and part line
Sunscreen often stops a centimetre short of the hairline. Blend right up to it, and if you have a visible part, a hat is the most practical protection, as it's hard to apply cream to the scalp without making hair greasy.
4. Eyelids and around the eyes
Many people avoid the eye area because some sunscreens sting. Apply gently up to the orbital bone (not on the lash line), and wear sunglasses. If sunscreen stings your eyes, our guide on why sunscreen stings your eyes has tips.
5. Lips
Lips burn too. Use a lip balm with SPF and reapply after eating and drinking.
6. Backs of the hands
Hands are in the sun all day, especially when driving. Apply sunscreen to the backs of your hands in the morning and reapply after you wash them.
7. Chest and shoulders
With summer necklines, the chest and tops of the shoulders are exposed for hours. Cover them with a body sunscreen, or extend your face sunscreen if it's a small area.
The easy fix: keep a sun stick handy
Cream sunscreen is great for your morning application on the face. For small, awkward areas and for reapplying during the day, a sun stick is quicker and cleaner, because you don't need to get product on your hands.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick offers broad spectrum SPF50+ PA++++ and has a curved design made for hard-to-reach areas, which makes it handy for ears and around the nose. It contains hyaluronic acid plus aloe vera, kelp and yam root extracts to soothe and moisturise.
Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF50+ PA++++ has a wide stick for quick application over larger areas like the neck, chest and backs of the hands. It glides on without a white cast or stickiness and can be applied over makeup. It also contains acacia peptide and ceramide.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick combines cica extract and hyaluronic acid with broad-spectrum UV protection, and glides on with a silky finish and no white cast.
Tip: glide a stick back and forth several times over each area. One quick swipe usually leaves too thin a layer.
Don't skimp on the face either
Sticks are brilliant for touch-ups, but most people find a cream or lotion easier for applying enough on the whole face in the morning. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-fresh (SPF50+ PA++++) is a lightweight, fragrance-free option. Beauty of Joseon suggests applying a generous amount (about two finger-lengths) to the face and neck as the last step of your morning routine, and reapplying outdoors every two to three hours. Not sure how much is enough? Read how much sunscreen you should use on your face. Heading to the beach? See our guide to water-resistant sunscreen for your face.
A quick head-to-toe checklist
- Face, right up to the hairline
- Eyelids and around the eyes (gently)
- Ears: tops, fronts and backs
- Neck: front, sides and back
- Lips (SPF lip balm)
- Chest and shoulders
- Backs of the hands
- Feet, if you're in sandals
Pair sunscreen with a hat, sunglasses and shade, especially in the middle of the day. And keep up regular skin checks: if you notice a new or changing spot anywhere, see your GP or dermatologist.
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FAQ
Is a sun stick as good as sunscreen cream?
A sun stick can give the same SPF protection when you apply enough. It's easiest for small areas and reapplying; many people still prefer a cream for the full morning application on the face.
Can I use face sunscreen on my ears and hands?
Yes. Face sunscreen works on any exposed skin. Just make sure you use enough to cover each area.
How often should I reapply on these areas?
Reapply every two hours when outdoors, and after swimming, sweating or washing your hands.
How do I protect my scalp?
A hat is the most practical option. If your part is exposed for long periods, a sun stick or spray designed for the area can help, but a hat is easiest.