The weather is starting to warm up, which means that pool season is right around the corner. While you spend time picking out new swimsuits and pool accessories to use, try to think ahead about your safety as well. There are several parts of the body that need sun protection that most people never thing about. Plan for your pool safety in advance and protect these forgotten body parts.
Eyes
Your eyes can be just as sensitive to light as your skin. That’s why they hurt so badly when you’ve been outside for long periods of time. Of course, the easy way to combat this is to wear sunglasses when you go out. If you would like some extra protection for your eyelids, see if you can find any eye makeup with an SPF rating. Traditional sun block is not made to be that close to your eyes, but the makeup should be perfectly safe.
Lips
You can’t put sunscreen on your lips, but that does not mean you need to leave them unprotected. There are plenty of lip balms on the market that have sun block in them. Look for something with an SPF rating that you can clearly see listed on the bottle. You should be able to find this online or at a local camping store. The lip balm may not help you look fashionable, but it will help you avoid blistered, sore lips while you’re out.
Knees and Armpits
When you start applying sunscreen all over your body, don’t forget your armpits and the back of your knees. These areas are just as subject to burning as anything else, but most people move right past them with sub block. You may want to apply a couple layers to these areas, since you fold them over so much. At the very least, be a little more aware of them when you start getting ready for the pool.
Ears
When you start putting sunscreen on your face, rub a little bit on your ears. The back and tips of your ears are especially vulnerable to sun damage because they are blatantly exposed to UV rays. Your hair may cover them some of the time, but you still need to do your part to make sure they do not get burned. All it takes is a few seconds of time to shield them.
Scalp
Bald or balding men usually know to put sunscreen on their heads because they know how bad a sunburn feels. For the rest of us though, the scalp is completely forgotten. Yes, your hair will do a good job blocking most of the UV rays from hitting your skin. Nevertheless, it will not protect you entirely. Wear a sun hat while you are out to keep your head protected as much as possible. You could apply sun screen to your scalp, but that is going to make your hair messy and unappealing. A hat is going to be your best bet.
