3 Places We ALWAYS Forget to Apply Sunscreen

Hey beautiful! 🌸

It’s May, which means the sun’s finally showing up, and I don’t know about you, but I’m so ready for that warm glow. But you know what? That lovely sun is also a little sneaky... 😎 It’s like, “Hey, I’m warm and wonderful, but I’ll also leave you with wrinkles and spots if you’re not careful.”

Now, even if you're really good about SPF (and I know you are), there are always those “oops” areas that slip through the cracks. Let’s make sure none of them catch you off guard this season.

1. The Ears 👂

Most people remember the tops of their ears if they’re lucky… but the backs? Totally ghosted. And guess what? The skin back there is thin, delicate, and usually wide open to the sun — especially if you’re wearing your hair up or rocking a short style.

I’ve learned this the hard way. A few summers ago, I ended up with a tiny burn behind one ear (just one!), and I couldn’t figure out why that one spot was peeling like a lizard. 🦎 Now I never skip it — I just rub the leftover sunscreen on my fingers right behind my ears and along the sides of my face and neck. Easy peasy.

Quick check: If you’re putting on earrings or sunglasses, you’re already there — give the whole ear a little SPF love while you’re at it.

2. The Back of Your Hands ✋

This one’s a biggie. Have you ever noticed how your hands are one of the first places to show signs of aging? It's like the skin on our hands is just too busy doing all the work (typing, cooking, you name it) to get the care it deserves.

I used to be super good at sunscreen on my face, arms, and chest, but the hands? Nope. I only realized it when I looked at my hands and saw those little sun spots and wrinkles creeping in.

The skin on your hands is thinner and more delicate than you might think, so it’s really vulnerable to sun damage. And guess what? The back of your hands gets a LOT of sun exposure throughout the day (even when you're just driving around or walking). Over time, you could notice fine lines, age spots, or even more serious issues like sunburns or dryness.

Pro tip: After you rub sunscreen on your face, don’t wash your hands right away. Rub the leftovers onto the backs of your hands instead.

3. The Part in Your Hair (yep, your scalp!) 🧴

I used to never think about the skin on my scalp. I mean, the hair covers it, right? Well, that’s true… but not entirely. Sunburns on your scalp are way more common than we think — and they’re not fun. If you’ve ever had one, you know exactly what I mean. Ouch!

The scalp is delicate, and the sun can burn the heck out of it without us even noticing. Plus, if you’ve ever noticed your scalp getting dry or flaky after a day in the sun, that’s usually a sign of damage. Not cute, right?

Quick check: If you’re parting your hair or wearing it pulled back, dab a little facial sunscreen right along the part and near the hairline. Or toss on a hat for bonus style points and protection.

BONUS TIP: Behind the Knees & Elbows! 🦵

Okay, I know I said 3 places, but I had to throw in this bonus! We spend so much time thinking about the skin on our face, arms, and hands that we forget the back of our knees and elbows. Yep, those areas can burn, too!

These spots are often hidden under clothing and get a lot of sun exposure during outdoor activities (think shorts, swimsuits, or sitting in the sun). The skin behind your knees and elbows is more sensitive and prone to burning or discoloration, and it’s not as easy to notice when it's being damaged.

Quick check: When you’re doing your arms and legs, bend them and catch those folds. It takes two seconds and saves you from weird tan lines or surprise burns. Trust me — you don’t want to be dealing with a red, peeling patch behind your knee when you’re trying to show off those summer legs. 😉

Be Sneaky About Sun Protection! 🌞

So there you have it! These sneaky spots might be easy to overlook, but they’re all important to keep covered. I hope this list gives you a little reminder to show your skin some love — no matter where the sun hits.

Let me know: Do you have any “forgotten” spots where you’ve gotten burned before? Or any sunscreen hacks that work for you? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks in the comments below!

And, as always, remember: Sunscreen isn’t just for sunny days, it’s for EVERY day. 🙌

Stay beautiful, stay protected, and let’s keep glowing!

With love,
Ava-Ann 🌸