During summertime, the media issues frequent reminders about how important it is to protect yourself from the sun’s harsh UVA and UVB rays. Sadly, though, the lips often get overlooked. Why and how should you protect your lips from the sun? Continue reading to discover some important and helpful information.
Why Protecting Your Lips Is Vital
Not all the skin on your body is the same. For example, the lips tend to be thinner and more delicate than other areas. They are therefore especially vulnerable to sunburns. The lower lip is at an even higher risk than the upper one because of the angle at which the sun hits it.
Cancer is also a major concern. Repeated sunburns on your lips over the course of your life can greatly increase the chances that cancerous, malignant cells will appear.
How Can You Protect Your Lips?
Protecting your lips from the sun is neither difficult nor time-consuming. Here are some steps you can take:
Apply SPF
Regular sunscreen may irritate your lips and cause them to feel dry. Fortunately, gentler alternatives are available. Most stores carry lip balms with SPF in them. Try to choose one with an SPF of 30 or higher so you can get the most complete protection possible.
Do Not Forget to Reapply
Many people are diligent about applying sun protection products before they leave their house. However, if they spend more than a few hours outside, they are likely to forget to reapply their SPF. Regular sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or so, but you may need to reapply it more frequently if you are sweating a lot or swimming.
SPF lip balm may need to be reapplied once every hour. It can wear off quickly as you are eating, drinking, and licking your lips.
Wear a Hat
A hat with a wide brim can cast shade on your face and give your lips some much-needed protection. Try to find one with a UPF of 50 or greater. Many sunhats and baseball caps are suitable choices.
Stay Indoors During the Hottest Part of the Day
The sun’s radiation tends to be most intense during the middle portion of the day, from 11 A.M. until around 4 P.M. If possible, stay indoors during that period. If you have to go out, be sure to remain in shady areas as much as you can.
Are you doing all you can to protect your lips from the sun? Your efforts will repay you with a lower risk of burns and cancer!
Meet the Practice
The expert dentists at Torrington Dental Care are proud to offer oral cancer screenings and a range of other services that are designed to help patients enjoy a healthy smile. If you would like personalized advice on how to care for your lips, teeth, and gums this summer, we are ready to answer your questions. Get in touch with us at 860-259-4073.