Why you need to put sunscreen on your lips
We're all aware of the importance of applying sunscreen to our skin, but most of us are not nearly so diligent when it comes to our lips. Remember, on our side of the planet UV rays are intense so it doesn’t matter what season it is, everyone should be wearing sunscreen every, single day.
Fortunately, few of us would spend the day with our body slathered in baby oil – yet applying clear lip balm or glossy lipstick that has no SPF is essentially the same thing. The shiny surface attracts the sun's rays yet offers no protection.
Skin cancer of the lips is not uncommon, but the good news if that because of the high visibility of the lips, most are detected early and therefore are highly treatable. Basal and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common skin cancers, often affect the lips (these are non-melanoma skin cancers). The lower lip is around 12 times more likely to be affected, because of its greater exposure to sunlight. Treatments for basal and squamous cell carcinoma include surgery, radiation, and freezing with liquid nitrogen. Cure rates for early lesions is almost 100 per cent, so see a dermatologist as soon as you notice any changes in the skin on your lips.
When you're out in the sun, look for a lip balm with a high SPF 30 is ideal. However, be aware, while some lipsticks and glosses claim to have an SPF, you are usually not applying them thickly and frequently enough for this to offer much protection.
If you want more choice of colour, the best idea is to apply a lip stain, which gives your lips a strong, long-lasting veil of colour without adding any stickiness. This means you can then easily apply your SPF30 balm over the top, without messing up the colour.
Lips don't have sebaceous glands to keep them lubricated, so treat lips to extra moisture, especially after a day out in the sun. Apply a rich lip balm at night – since this one doesn't need to have an SPF, your options are plentiful.
Also, just because a lip balm is protective, doesn’t mean its moisturising. This means it locks in existing moisture but doesn’t nourish your lips by way of enriching it with more. Always read labels carefully.
First appeared on Stuff.co.nz.
Related links:
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