Buzz
Never overlook the need to shield your lips from the sun, as it can lead to cancer and premature aging.
©iStockphoto.com/Biliana RakocevicEven if you diligently apply sunscreen to your face and body before a day at the pool, your lips often get neglected. Applying SPF to your lips offers dual benefits. Firstly, it prevents sun-induced aging, keeping your lips youthful and vibrant. Secondly, skipping SPF on your lips increases the risk of skin cancer or other skin issues [source: Dahl].
Sun damage reduces skin elasticity, and lips are no exception. Additionally, lips have naturally thin skin, which can appear even thinner due to sun exposure [source: Dahl].
Lips exposed to the sun's UV rays may develop actinic cheilitis, a form of lip inflammation. This condition results in dry, rough, scaly patches that can vary in size and color, from skin-toned to reddish-brown or whitish. Actinic cheilitis can also be a precursor to skin cancer and requires professional dermatological care [source: AAD: Actinic Keratoses].
If you enjoy using lip gloss for a shiny finish, be aware that dermatologists warn gloss without SPF may act like a magnifying glass for the sun, potentially raising skin cancer risks. Opt for a lip gloss with SPF, layer it over an SPF 30+ lip product, or switch to a matte lip option with SPF for better protection [source: Dahl].
No SPF product offers complete protection from harmful rays. SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97%. Apply SPF lip products daily, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours. Choose broad-spectrum products to shield against both UVB (burning) and UVA (aging) rays [source: AAD: Skin Cancer].
