A Dermatologist Reveals Often Overlooked Areas Where People Neglect Sunscreen—And Why It's Crucial To Protect Them Against Skin Cancer

In a captivating and educational TikTok video, Dr. Shereene Idriss, M.D. , a board-certified dermatologist ( renowned for her expertise in facial rejuvenation and minimally invasive body contouring) highlighted the often- overlooked areas of the face where sunscreen is frequently neglected .

She emphasized the importance of applying sunscreen to these regions to safeguard against skin cancer and sun damage.

A Derm Unveils 4 Commonly Neglected Spots For Sunscreen Application—And The Importance of Shielding Them From Skin Cancer

Idriss began her July 21st TikTok post for her 966.9K followers by explaining that she intended to share “four areas you often forget to apply sunscreen and where skin cancer dominates.”

1. Hairline

Firstly, the TikToker mentioned “your hairline, both front and back, especially if you have short hair or if you wear ponytails.” Skin cancer can look like a red, inflamed pimple in these areas, she noted, caused by a lack of sun and UV ray protection that sunscreen provides.

2. Ears

Secondly, Idriss noted that the ears are often neglected when it comes to sunscreen application. She recommends applying sunscreen daily to the “front and behind the ears because skin cancer can grow even inside your ear canal.”

3. Eyelids & Under-Eyes

The doctor also pointed out that the above and under-eye areas are sensitive, so they are often neglected. "You can tap lightly above and below your eyes (eyelids and under-eyes) and make sure to get the corner of the eyes, because skin cancer often appears like a tiny pimple here that never goes away," Idriss said.

4. Upper Lip

For the fourth often neglected spot, she included the upper lip. Skin cancer in this area, she stressed, "can look like a herpes virus that never goes away."

The Bottom Line

Dr. Angela Casey , M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of youth skincare line Bright Girl and Dr. Anna Chacon , M.D., board-certified dermatologist and writer at My Psoriasis Team also recently sat down with SheFinds and stressed the importance of daily facial sunscreen, year-round.

The most crucial step in any great anti-aging morning skincare routine is "sun protection," Chacon says, adding that "everyone should consistently use sunscreen as the last step after skincare and before applying makeup." To prevent premature wrinkling and fine lines caused by sun damage, the daily application of sunscreen is vital.

Casey agrees, and notes that "prevention is truly the best medicine when it comes to your skin health." Implementing a skincare routine that "cleanses, moisturizes, and protects your skin" will lead you on the path to a healthy and glowing complexion (with much less wrinkling and fine lines than if you skipped this step), she notes.

She deems sunscreen to be the "non-negotiable final step,"  following vitamin C serum, and that you should choose one with an "SPF 30 or higher with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection."

"The best medicine for your skin's collagen is prevention and sunscreen," she says. A broad spectrum sunscreen "protects from both UVA and UVB rays," and she suggests selecting one with "SPF 30 or higher."

This, she says, "prevents the UV rays of the sun from penetrating into your skin and causing collagen and elastic fiber breakdown."