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updated on
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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
While sunscreen is (almost) always a must-have in your summer beauty kit, sunscreen lip balm is often forgotten. And yet, protecting your lips from the harmful effects of the sun is also essential. Doctissimo reveals which lip balm will become your ally.
When we talk about sun damage, we often think of sunburn, the risk of skin cancer, or even premature aging of the epidermis. However, the lips, often neglected, are also very vulnerable to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. To protect this fragile area, a stick in particular would become the number one ally against the harmful effects of the sun.
The skin of the lips: a particularly fragile area
The skin on the lips is much thinner and more sensitive than the skin on the rest of the face. Unlike the skin on the body, the skin on the lips does not have oil glands, making them more susceptible to drying out and cracking. In addition, the skin on the lips contains very little melanin, the pigment that helps protect against the harmful effects of the sun. This makes the lips particularly vulnerable to sunburn and UV damage.
Risks of sun exposure to the lips
- Sunburn and burns: As with the rest of the body, lips can suffer sunburn. These burns, in addition to being painful, can cause lasting damage if they are repeated.
- Actinic cheilitis: This is a precancerous condition that manifests itself as chronic inflammation of the lips due to prolonged exposure to the sun. It is characterized by peeling, cracking and a rough appearance of the lips.
- Lip cancer: Lip cancer is a form of squamous cell carcinoma, which is directly linked to excessive exposure to UV rays. This type of cancer is particularly common in people who spend a lot of time outdoors without adequate protection. Smoking and alcohol are also aggravating risk factors.
- Premature aging: The sun accelerates the aging process of the skin. On the lips, this can manifest itself in the early appearance of wrinkles, a loss of volume, and a decrease in firmness.
If you notice any changes to your lips, such as rough areas, persistent cracks, or lesions that don’t heal, see a dermatologist right away.
- Use lip balm with sunscreen: Choose a lip balm that contains a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply generously and reapply every two hours, especially after eating, drinking, or swimming.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat;
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight between 10am and 4pm, when UV rays are most intense;
- Keep your lips moisturized to prevent dryness and cracking, which can be exacerbated by sun exposure.
For maximum protection, it is recommended to apply your sunscreen lip balm about 30 minutes before sun exposure. Feel free to reapply every two hours, and more frequently if you eat, drink or after swimming. It is also advisable to use it even on cloudy days, as UV rays penetrate through clouds.
Why use a lip balm with SPF?
Using an SPF lip balm, such as Labello Sun Protect, is therefore essential to prevent this damage and maintain healthy lips all year round, but particularly during the summer months.
This sun stick allows:
- Enhanced sun protection: with SPF 30, Labello Sun Protect offers high protection against UV rays, making it an ideal choice for sunny days, whether at the beach, in the mountains or during long walks outdoors.
- Long-lasting hydration: This balm is enriched with moisturizing ingredients, such as shea butter and glycerin, which intensely nourish the lips. Thus, it prevents dryness and chapping caused by sun exposure.
Don’t panic for those who don’t like oily textures, the Labello Sun Protect formula is light and penetrates quickly without leaving a sticky residue. The stick offers optimal comfort throughout the day. As a bonus, it is water-resistant, which keeps lips protected even after a trip to the sea or swimming pool.