Are you using sunscreen right?

If you’re the kind of person who applies sunscreen every day — even when it’s cloudy — your dermatologist is probably thrilled. Daily sunscreen is one of the simplest ways to protect against skin cancer. A 2011 landmark study from Australia found that people who used sunscreen daily can reduce melanoma risk by 50%, and it can also help slow visible signs of sun damage, such as wrinkles, sun spots, sagging, and discoloration.

But even the most careful sunscreen users often forget the scalp, which dermatologists say may be one of the most important places to protect against skin cancer.

Skin cancer diagnoses are climbing. In the US and many countries, it is the most common cancer, and sunlight is the greatest risk factor. Yet, our bodies need direct sunlight to make Vitamin D, an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and healthy aging.

It’s a delicate balance. Short periods of sun exposure (just five to 30 minutes of direct sun exposure during peak hours of 10 am - 4 pm) help with vitamin D synthesis, depending on factors like skin tone, location, and the time of day or year.

But the pendulum swings the other direction after too much sun exposure.

Over time, excess UV radiation can damage DNA and accelerate inflammation and aging. UVA rays are the ones most closely linked to skin aging, while UVB rays are most closely linked to sunburn and skin cancer. Older adults with decades of ultraviolet (UV) sun exposure are particularly vulnerable.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens help protect against all UV rays, but many people fall short on sunscreen application.

Dermatologists also say the scalp and hairline are too easy to miss, making them more vulnerable to skin cancer than other parts of the body.

Hair thinning and balding: This leaves more of the scalp exposed to the sun, which may help explain why scalp skin cancer is a concern, especially in men.

Women can also experience hair loss, and thinner hair coverage can leave the part line, forehead, and hairline more exposed. Over time, that added sun exposure can increase cumulative UV damage.

As more scalp and face get exposed to the sun, cumulative UV can add up.

!! Scalp, part, and hairline protection still matters if you aren’t balding or thinning, according to dermatologists.

Scalp cancer is easy to miss: A suspicious mole on your arm is easy to notice, but a changing spot hidden beneath your hair is not. That’s part of the problem with scalp melanomas, which account for up to 49% of head and neck melanomas. They can stay invisible for years.

Melanomas can also be more aggressive and dangerous if not treated early, since they are on the head and have a greater risk of metastasizing to the brain.

That’s why it’s often a smart idea to keep the area protected and on your radar. The good news is that the warning signs are the usual suspects for other skin cancers: a mole that has an uneven shape, edges, or mixed colors, or one that changes over time.

You’re routine does not need to be complicated to be effective. A few small habits, recommended by dermatologists, may significantly reduce cumulative UV exposure (thus reducing DNA damage and cancer risk) over time.

Simple habits that make a difference:

Dermatologists also stress that approved chemical sunscreens do not cause skin cancer, despite persistent online myths. Sunscreen remains one of the only evidence-backed ways to support healthy aging and help protect skin from UV-related DNA damage.

Sponsored by: Ruba

Menopause symptoms can show up in different ways. Ruba is a plant-powered, non-hormonal drink made with phytoestrogens and adaptogens like rhubarb root, lion’s mane mushroom & red clover to support hormonal balance & inflammation control. A daily ritual delivered as a delicious lemonade with 25 natural ingredients.

“The best sunscreen,” experts tell BBC, “is the one you are happy to use.”

Most people know to protect their face and shoulders. But the overlooked opportunity for healthy aging is remembering the scalp, hairline, and part line — areas dermatologists say are especially vulnerable to hidden UV damage over time.

A few extra seconds of protection each morning may be one of the easiest long-term investments you can make for both skin health and healthy aging.

10 most at-risk spots for skin cancer

According to Moffitt Cancer Center, skin cancer is most likely to develop on the:

AI-powered longevity: Try LIV, an AI-powered search engine, for easy, actionable science-backed insights on the hottest longevity topics.

Early bird pricing: The landmark Livelong Women’s Health Summit^TM is coming to New York City this September. Save $400 today

Live in the Inner Circle: Neuroscientist and mindfulness practitioner Nkechi Njaka guides participants through an exploration of sleep as an anchor of women’s longevity and well-being.

Sunscreen: the truth about skin aging: Sunscreen protects skin from harmful UV rays, but does it reverse skin aging?

What drains your energy the fastest?

Poor sleep (70%)—whether juggling multiple jobs, waking up at 2:33 am, or battling nighttime anxieties, so many of us don’t feel our best without a good night’s sleep. Unlike sleep, though, sunscreen is a small health habit that can be surprisingly easy to control! Let’s take the small wins.