We all know that it is important to use sunscreen to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun, but have you ever thought about the importance of protecting your lips?
Since lips do not sweat and have sebaceous glands that secrete protective oil, it is essential to moisturize them regularly to keep them moist and healthy. Sebaceous glands are responsible for producing the sebum that protects the skin and keeps it moisturized.
They are found in all areas of the body except the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and lips. The lack of these glands makes the lips more vulnerable to external aggressions (wind, cold, sun, etc.) and they dry out more quickly than other areas of the body. For this reason, this part of the body is more sensitive to harmful UV rays. Therefore, just like the skin on your face, your lips also need a sunscreen to reduce the harmful effects of UV rays.
Don’t forget to put SPF on your lips and reapply every two hours.
Although our lips are constantly exposed to the sun, we often overlook them when applying sunscreen. Not only can excessive sun exposure increase the risk of sunburn, but the lips are also at risk of developing precancerous, non-healing scaly patches called actinic keratoses or actinic cheilitis. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to squamous cell skin cancers.
The best way to protect your lips is to apply a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher. It will also keep your lips soft and smooth. Reapply SPF frequently, as it can rub off very easily when eating, drinking, licking and talking. You can reapply every two hours.
Dermatologists suggest choosing lip sunscreens that contain two types of moisturizing ingredients: humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera) and emollients (petroleum jelly, coconut oil, shea butter). While humectants help draw moisture into the upper layers of the lips, emollients help hold moisture in place.
More tips to keep lips full and protected this summer
Exfoliate your lips once or twice a week with a scrub to remove dead skin. Then apply your nourishing lip balm. This will keep your lips plump, soft and pink.
Don’t bite your lips or try to pull off the little skin that comes off due to dryness.
Always apply a moisturizer and sunscreen before painting your lips to ensure hydration and make your lipstick last longer. Nourish your lips after removing makeup, because lipstick tends to dry them out.
Your dentist or hygienist can answer any questions you have about lip balm and its use, so be sure to ask at your next appointment. Remember: just like your skin needs sun protection, your lips need protection too!
