Is there any need for a lip balm containing SPF? Is it necessary for your lips to protect them from the sunlight? These frequently asked questions about lip care and lip protection shall be answered here. Would any product help us protect our lips from the sun? Well, the answer is definitely yes. Lip SPF balm is the new savage. Just like any other beauty product, lip balm does come with SPF.
Lips are as sensitive to the sun as the other areas exposed to UV rays. Dry, peeled, cracked, wrinkled lips, do you think it’s caused by dry weather? No, you could be sunburned. There are some tips regarding sunburnt lips so you can get rid of them properly.
So, read along and explore the lip sunscreens and their protection.
Why Is Lip Protection Necessary?
Just like the skin around the eyes, the skin around your lips is thinner than the skin on the rest of your face. Lips are exposed to the sun and get damaged more easily. The dryness, itchiness, patches around the lips, and many other irritating edemas can be caused due to the sun-exposed lips without any protection. You may even get skin cancer on your lips that can be more deadly than skin cancer or other parts of your body.
We usually apply sunscreen to our entire face except for the eyes and lips, and we think we have done enough. But that’s the wrong thing we do daily. Extended sun exposure breaks down the collagen with time and makes them thin. It can lead to skin danger if we avoid applying the lip balm with SPF.
The worst effect of staying longer under UV radiation is Squamous Cell Carcinoma, cancer due to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal squamous cells caused by prolonged exposure to the UV rays. This cancer is not life-threatening, but it can be aggressive.
Sun damage on the lips can lead to premature aging (fine lines and wrinkles). So, why avoid such a delicate and vital area on our face? Lip protection from the sun is as important as other body parts.
Lip Sunscreen Product Evaluation Criteria
You might be thinking about applying the same sunscreen you bought for your face, as lips have the skin too. But you won’t like the taste of the sunscreen all day long in your mouth because almost all of us have a habit of licking our lips. So, there are various lip sunscreens available on the market. But which one is best among them all? Let’s find out!
- SPF
Lip sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 in it. Usually, lip sunscreens with less SPF, like 15, are not effective on these hot summer days. You can also go for SPF 50, which is safe for your lips. Also, check if the product protects against UVA and UVB rays.
- It Doesn’t Taste Bad
We all lick our lips, so lip sunscreen should taste good. Flavored lip sunscreens are there on the market. Go for them!
- Not White & Chalky
Face sunscreen gets white and chalky after its application. Remember to check your lip sunscreen that doesn’t have this feature.
- Wears Well
Make sure to buy an excellent textured lip sunscreen. Other face sunscreens usually get sticky and oily. Check the texture and feel of the lip sunscreen before buying one.
- Easy to Reapply
Reapplying lip sunscreen is essential. After a few hours, or after you have eaten your meal, reapply your lip sunscreen. So, your product should be easy to carry and apply anytime.
- Affordable
Affordability in a product is the first thing we all look forward to. So, yes! Lip sunscreen should not be a costly one. You may buy it once, and next time you might not be able to continue repurchasing it. Having a budget-friendly lip sunscreen is essential.
Sunburnt Lips Symptoms
Lip is a delicate area, but your lower lip is 12 times more likely to be sensitive than your upper lips. They can absorb UV rays more than the upper lip. How to know if your lips are sunburnt or not?
Mild symptoms (First-degree sunburnt lips):
- Dryness and itchiness
- Burning sensation
- Discomfort while talking or eating
- Slight peeling
- Severe symptoms (Second-degree sunburnt lips):
- Redder than normal lips
- Pain (might be due to edema caused by deadly sun rays)
- Swollen lips
- Tender to touch
- Blisters
The first-degree symptoms go away on their own after 3 to 5 days. At the same time, second-degree symptoms require consultation with a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Keep reading to identify if you are having any of the mentioned problems. We have some suggestions for you.
If you have a mouth sore that is not healing or a reddish-white patch, a lump inside your mouth, mouth or ear pain, and difficulty swallowing, these symptoms are the warning signs of mouth cancer. Rush to the doctor if you are facing any of these signs from the last two weeks.
How to Prevent Lips from Sun
- Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is good for your skin and sensitive lips. It would be best to stay super hydrated to keep your hydration level up. So, drinking eight glasses of water is recommended. But in summer, drink more than eight glasses.
- Don’t Lick Your Lips
Saliva contains lysozyme, salt, and other substances, and their concentration is high. Licking the lips will easily cause the moisture of the lip skin to penetrate outward and lack water, causing shrinkage. So, never lick your lips in any season, as saliva will make them drier.
- Use An SPF Lip Balm
The time you will spend in the sun’s rays is a primary concern. Sun-protecting lip balm usually has an SPF of 15, which is not enough for the radiation. Because SPF 15 filters 93% of the UVB rays while SPF 30 filters 97% of the UVB rays. (American Cancer Society, 2018)
- Seek Shade
During the summer days, please seek shade to prevent sunburn. If you are out between 10 am and 2 pm, we would recommend you to wear a mask, hat, sunglasses, or else use an umbrella. So, take breaks every few minutes to stay in the shade- sit down, relax and drink water.
How to Heal Sunburned Lips?
Some medications can help you with sunburnt lips. But taking first aid before it is essential. First, add it to your skincare routine to exfoliate your lips weekly. Treat your lips at home before it gets worse. Also, while you heal with these tips, drink a lot of water to stay hydrated and let the water do the magic ahead.
- Cool Compress
Cool compress will allow your lips to cool down the inflammation and blisters. You must dip a washcloth in the cold water for some time and then hold it on your lips. It will ease your pain and help the discomfort go away gradually or until you feel relieved. But remember, never apply bare ice onto the skin that is burnt. And do not keep an ice pack longer than 20 minutes as it can cause dryness and itchiness.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) can help you with sunburnt skin. As first aid, aspirin and ibuprofen can relieve you by calming down the pain.
- Aloe Vera
The most common and quick relief for a sunburnt area is to apply aloe vera on it. Its cooling effect allows the irritation to soothe down in a few minutes. It reduces the redness and swelling on the lips. So, even for your second-degree symptoms, apply aloe vera before seeing the doctor.
- Moisturizer
Using a sound and light moisturizer is a blessing to soothe the skin during the healing process. Avoid moisturizers that contain petroleum. It will worsen your irritation.
- Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone 1 percent cream is an over-the-counter steroid cream. It reduces the inflammation when no other cream, medication, or tips work. You can apply it in severe cases. Apply a little cream to the outer areas of the lips, and remember to not lick your lips even for once, as this cream is not safe to digest.
Conclusion
Never forget to wear lip sunscreen on your lips and eyes. Because we usually avoid these areas. But now you know the importance of wearing SPF lip balms, so no more damage to the lips! Keep yourself hydrated and cool during sun exposure. Cover your body and call your doctor if you get any signs for quite some time. Avoiding the sun during peak hours is the best treatment.