As research shows that sunscreen is essential for protection from the sun’s harmful rays, more people have been investing in their skincare routine. However, there may be one step that you haven’t considered: your lips. According to Byrdie, there are several reasons to use SPF lip balm during your morning routine.
For years, experts have suggested wearing sunscreen whenever you leave home — not just at the beach or pool. Unprotected skin is at risk for photodamage, early aging, and skin cancer, Byrdie stated.
Luckily, there are increasingly more lip products that contain SPF and aim to protect the precious skin on your lips. Additionally, it is not limited to chapstick. There are glosses, lip sticks, and lip oils available in various shades. Still not convinced? Here are five reasons to use SPF lip balm!
1. Your lips lack melanin.
According to Byrdie, your lips are thinner than the rest of your skin and contain less melanin — regardless of your race or ethnicity. With more vulnerable skin and less melanin, your lips are more susceptible to the adverse effects of the sun’s UV rays. The more time you spend in the sun, the more you put your lips at risk for sun damage.
2. SPF lip balms also provide hydration.
If you find yourself reaching for chapstick or lip balm several times a day, your lips may need proper moisturization. Consider switching to an SPF lip balm to help give your lips the hydration they need. Typically, SPF lip balms have ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which are moisturizing agents.
3. SPF can prevent sunburn on your lips.
Do you experience dry, peeling, and chapped lips, especially in the summer months? Your lips may be sunburned without your knowledge. An SPF lip balm can prevent sunburn, and any uncomfortably excessive sun exposure may cause your pout. Though it may seem obvious, spotting a sunburn on your lips may be more difficult than on the rest of your skin.
4. SPF reverses the attention that gloss can get from the sun.
According to SOL RX, lip glosses can attract unwanted sun attention to your lips. Much like baby oil or a mirror, high-shine lip glosses can cause UV rays to focus on your lips, putting them at a higher risk for sunburn and damage. However, this does not mean you cannot wear lip glosses; just be sure to wear an SPF balm underneath.
5. Your chapped lips can heal faster.
If you suffer from chronic chapped or dry lips, dermatologists suggest using an SPF lip balm! Not only will your lips be protected from harmful UV rays, but you will also notice your lips’ health improve over time. The SPF helps seal moisture throughout the day, keeping your lips from getting chapped quickly.
In addition to these reasons for using SPF lip balm, you won’t have to search very far to find the right product for you. Many brands, including Black Girl Sunscreen and Supergoop, offer lip balms, glosses, and lipsticks with SPF. Be sure to apply the lip balms every two hours for optimal protection!
Which of these reasons to use SPF lip balms convinced you to make the switch? Let us know in the comments below.
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The author’s content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.
