4 Important Body Parts To Protect From The Sun

Though some of us are blessed with skin that tans well and doesn’t burn too easily, the rest of us live in fear of the blistering sun. We cover ourselves in thickly layered sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to keep from getting burned. Despite these efforts, there are a few places that many of us forget to protect, or simply don’t think are in danger. 

These are 4 body parts you’re probably forgetting in your beach day preparations. 

Your Eyes

Eye sunburn, also known as photokeratitis, affects the cornea (the clear layer above the pupil) as well as the conjunctiva (clear tissue covering the white of the eye and the eyelids). It can manifest as irregular red splotches on the eyes, and a typical recovery time is around 3 days. Photokeratitis happens most often to people who spend extended periods in the snow or in water, where sunlight gets up into the eyes by the surrounding surfaces. 

Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection is the best way to avoid burning your eyes. 

Your Scalp

Even the most luscious locks cannot protect your scalp from the harshest of sunshine. Unless you’re planning on lathering sunscreen into your hair (which we don’t recommend), then you should definitely wear a hat in the sun. A broad-brimmed hat is even better to ensure your face and neck are also getting protection. 

Your Lips

Most of us focus on our face when we apply sunblock, but tend to go for the obvious spots like our cheeks, nose, and forehead. It should come as no surprise that your lips are particularly sensitive to the sun. Your best protection here is to wear a lip balm with at least 30 SPF, and reapply after eating, drinking, licking your lips, or swimming. 

Feet

Because our feet spend most of the time covered by shoes, the skin there isn’t used to long exposures to the sun. Therefore, it’s quite easy for the skin on top of the feet to get burned. Remember to cover them well when you’re spending a day barefoot in the sun.