Key Facial Areas Often Missed in Sunscreen Application, Raising Skin Cancer Risk

A study published in PLOS ONE found that after applying sunscreen, on average 13 % of the facial surface remains uncovered. The most neglected zones are the eyelids, which account for about 14 % of the missed area, and the ears—both regions are especially prone to UV‑induced skin cancers. In France, Santé publique France reports between 141,200 and 243,500 new skin‑cancer cases each year, underscoring the need for thorough protection.

French pharmacist Céline Couteau warns that several beauty products can increase photosensitivity before sun exposure. She advises avoiding perfumes containing photosensitising chemicals, facial or body peels and scrubs that thin the skin, and retinol‑based creams. Her recommendations include using a high‑SPF sunscreen, UV‑filtering sunglasses and a hat to minimise sun‑related skin damage.