(Often Forgotten) Bits Of Your Body That Are Still Prone To Burning
We’ve all done it. Stood in front of the mirror after a long day in the sun and let out an audible sigh/oopsies for the patches of red that have suddenly transpired after that post-beach hot shower.
Whether you inadequately applied sunscreen in the first instance, failed to regularly reapply throughout the day, or straight up ‘forgot’ about those damaging UV rays, here’s a list of the most commonly forgotten bits of your body that are still prone to burning (and so sore when they do get burned).
Scalp
The top of your head, like any other skin on your body, is susceptible to sun damage. If you aren’t wearing a hat, firstly, why not, and secondly, no your luscious locks are not enough to protect your scalp from burning. Take a small amount of face sunscreen and apply it to your hair part, and if you’re bald, just lather that whole noggin of yours.
Ears
Those sticky-outy things on the side of your head, yep thooose. A reminder that your ears are exposed to the sun while walking, driving, sitting by the window desk at work, so start extending that daily sunscreen application all the way to the edges to include ears, jawline, neck, scalp.
Eyelids
Have you been protecting the protective layer of your eyes? Feels novel, but without a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a layer of SPF, you’re practically begging our (bad) friends UVA and UVB to get burning. Our eyelids are really delicate too, so while sunburn in this area is going to sting, we also recommend being gentle with the sunscreen application too.
Lips
For some reason we focus primarily on the cheeks, nose and forehead, forgetting our lips which are actually made of highly sensitive tissue. The skin on our lips is super duper thin, meaning it’s far more delicate than the rest of our bodies, and very susceptible to skin cancer if repeatedly damaged. Time to invest in a good quality SPF lip balm, stat!
Hands
So you put sunscreen on your arms, but did you go all the way down to your fingertips? Don’t lie… The tops of our hands are just as vulnerable to burning as the rest of our long limbs, and they’re typically one of the first areas of the body to show signs of ageing (freckles, sunspots, accentuated veins, wrinkles, sagging skin).
Feet
Your feet don’t see the light of day for months on end (thanks, winter) then suddenly you’re sporting sandals at the office and walking barefoot from the beach to the pub come Saturday. The tops of our feet need a lick of protection too if you want to avoid the whole peeling meets bad-birkenstocks-tan vibe.
Back of the knees
If you’re someone who also screens the top of the leg then the bottom half, portioning out that SPF, you’ll know how easy it is to miss the back of the knees in between. Not to mention this part of our body tends to get quite sweaty so any sunscreen that was applied is likely to be removed and/or rubbed off much quicker. There’s nothing worse than a nasty burn in those bendy creases! Makes walking, working out, sitting at a desk much more uncomfortable. You’ve been warned.
Armpits
You’re laying on your back, a sugary summer romance novel extended above your head, and suddenly those supple armpits of yours are entirely exposed to the sun’s harsh rays. We’ll be the first to admit it’s not yet a habit to apply sunscreen here (we recommend applying before deodorant so your skin has time to absorb the product) but any whiff of a potential sunburn here and we’re scared.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
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