6 Tips For Sun Protection For Lips

It is very important to protect the lips from excessive sun exposure to avoid burns and subsequent complications. They should also be looked after thoroughly after exposure to the sun.

The outer layer of the skin on the lips is very thin, which is why it is not sufficiently protected from UV radiation in its natural state. This area of ​​the body contains almost no melanin. This is a natural pigment that   could provide sun protection for the lips.

Due to the lack of melanin, they hardly tan at all, but they can burn quickly.

Also, did you know that lip licking is more harmful than beneficial? The saliva acts like a magnifying glass that only intensifies the sun’s rays.

Because the lips are in the middle of our face, we rarely cover them. That is why they are constantly exposed to sun damage.

Skin damage on the lips from exposure to the sun

If the skin on your lips is damaged by the sun, it can cause prolonged damage. The collagen could be changed.

It is the protein that gives the lips volume and elasticity. Besides , it also prevents the appearance of wrinkles.

If the lips are exposed to prolonged sunlight without protection, the collagen can change. This causes wrinkles on the lips and fine lines around the mouth. The damage occurs even when these show no physical evidence of exposure to the sun.

But wrinkles and premature aging are not the only problems that arise. Actinic keratosis can occur if you are often out and about for too long and without sun protection for your lips  . This is a precursor to cancer.

People who suffer from it often complain of dryness and cracked lips.

Often times, there are other signs of sun damage to the skin, such as precancerous lesions and severe wrinkles. It is estimated that around 3,500 new cases of lip cancer are diagnosed each year.

Sun exposure is also one of the most common cold sore triggers. If you suffer from the virus, sun protection for your lips can prevent outbreaks.

This condition requires special care, which is why sun protection for the lips is so important.

Sun protection for the lips

Dermatologists advise using products with sunscreen on the lips. It is important to treat them with the product about half an hour before exposure to the sun. 

As with sunscreen for the body, you have to reapply sunscreen for the lips . In the following we explain how you can protect them:

1. Use waterproof products

Should you be in the swimming pool or on the beach, make sure that the product of your choice is also waterproof. It is important that it provides at least 80 minutes of sun protection for the lips, including in the water.

Protective products for the lips are the quickest to remove. Therefore, you should apply it as often as necessary during your stay at the swimming pool or on the beach.

2. Use sunscreen on the lips without PABA

You may want to choose a product that does not contain PABA. Some people are allergic to this substance.

Photoallergy causes the skin to burn more quickly in the area where PABA was used. This can also lead to an outbreak.

3. Check the sun protection factor of the product of your choice

Just like sun protection products for skin, sun protection for the lips also has a sun protection factor. To protect your lips, use an SPF of 15 or higher.

Also, choose a product that moisturizes the lips enough to keep them nice and soft. Drought only increases the burning sensation in this sensitive area.

4. Don’t use lip gloss as a substitute for sunscreen

You’ve probably thought of just applying lip gloss because you didn’t have sunscreen for your lips on hand. If that’s true, then you’re doing damage to your lips instead of protecting them.

Lip glosses that contain little color but a lot of shine concentrate the sunlight in this zone. Those products that do not offer UV protection can increase the likelihood of developing lip cancer.

5. Exfoliate your lips with an exfoliator

If your lips are dry or chapped before or after sun exposure, or if the skin is peeling, you can exfoliate your lips. To do this, you use a little sugar and olive oil. This is how you remove dead skin cells.

You have to be very careful, of course, because it really is a very sensitive skin area that can be easily injured. Also, don’t exfoliate immediately after sunbathing, as this will make the skin even more sensitive.

6. Use products that lock in moisture

Find a beeswax, paraffin, or petroleum jelly lip product . These ingredients are very gentle on the lips and make them look better.

They also lock in moisture and stay on your lips longer. So you can concentrate on enjoying your summer walk and don’t have to constantly think about reapplying sunscreen to your lips.

Take a good rest on your walks, but remember to protect your lips too. They too suffer from UV radiation. Make products with UV protection for the lips your daily cosmetic allies.