5 Places you probably aren't applying sunscreen.

Sunscreen is an important part of a good beauty regimen but it is also one of the most overlooked. Even if your primer or foundation has an SPF (sun protection factor), it is still not adequate for true protection from the harsh UV rays of the sun.

Australia's Cancer Council has some alarming statistics regarding skin cancer. They report two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70. While having a nice tan might take precedence over the risks associated with this statistic right now, there are other things to consider when it comes to protection from the sun's harmful rays.

The World Health Organization reports, while there are good attributes to the sun, there are several risks to too much sun:

• Skin ageing (premature wrinkles, loss of elasticity, sags, and bags)
• Eye inflammation
• Cataracts

Obvious places to apply SPF are your face, back, legs, chest, and arms but there are a few areas that you may not think about, that are equally important to protect. Here are five places to pay more attention to when you're out in the sun.

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1. Scalp and Hair

The sun can have detrimental effects on your hair. Although hair itself cannot get cancer, the scalp is susceptible and should be protected. The UV rays degrade the proteins in your hair shaft and pigment. A specially formulated protective oil like Alpha-H Protection Plus Hair and Body Oil Spray is a great way to prevent damage to your hair and scalp.

2. Backs of Your Hands

Your hands are constantly exposed so it is vital that they stay protected from the sun. Just imagine how much exposure this part of your body gets, every time you walk outside, although the World Health Organization suggests only around 15 minutes per day in the sun are required to get adequate Vitamin D. Your hands, like your neck and face, are among the first places age will begin to show. Keep them protected with a lotion like AHAVA Age Perfecting Hand Cream SPF15.

3. Tips of the Ears

Don't forget, the next time you apply sunscreen to your face, to be sure and protect your ears. Because the tips of your ears protrude, you should always be sure to cover them with a lotion like Pelactiv Skin Defense Face Lotion

4. Lips

Although they are certain to be covered with your regular face sunscreen, your lips are particularly sensitive because they have fewer layers than the skin of your face. For this reason, it is important that you apply a balm like ASAP Hydrating Lip Balm SPF15+. Not only will it protect your lips from the sun, but it will keep them moist, provide antioxidants, and - with essential oils and Alpine Rose - even work to prevent cold sores and kill germs

5. Around the Eyes

You can tell if someone just woke up, has been crying, or is exhausted, simply by looking at their eyes. The eyes are the first parts of the body to begin showing age so it is important to be preemptive about keeping them young- and healthy-looking. Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF15 is specially formulated to not only protect from the sun but reduce puffiness as well as fine lines.

Using sunscreen to protect your skin and hair from the damage of the sun is necessary to maintain healthy skin and hair. Be sure you apply every two hours if you are in the sun, or after swimming or sweating. If possible, try to avoid being outdoors during the midday hours. Check the UV index before going outside: If  the UV index is 1 or 2, you are generally safe to go outside; between 3 and 7, the World Health Order says you should wear sunscreen, a shirt, and a hat for protection; beyond 7, avoid being outside but if you must, be sure to have extra protection against the sun.

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