Sun Safety Tips When Using Lip Oil: A Dermatologist's Perspective
In the pursuit of radiant, hydrated lips, many individuals turn to lip oils. However, a word of caution: wearing lip oils in the sun may pose potential risks, such as increased sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and discoloration. This is because many lip oils do not contain sun protection and can trap heat on the lips, making them more sensitive to UV radiation.
Dr. Bardhan, a dermatologist, advises applying sunscreen to the lips to protect them from sun damage. The skin on our lips is particularly fragile and more prone to sun damage, especially the lower lip, which is 12 times more likely to develop skin cancer than the upper lip due to greater sun exposure. Repeated unprotected sun exposure can cause actinic cheilitis, a precancerous condition presenting as dryness, discoloration, or persistent fissures.
To protect your lips from sun damage when using lip oil or any lip product, it's crucial to use a lip balm or lip oil containing broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. This shields against both UVA and UVB rays. It's also important to choose products that are water-resistant and moisturizing, as hydration helps maintain lip skin barrier health.
Makeup artist Anthea Persaud and dermatologist Murugesan both recommend seeking out lip products with SPF, especially in the summer months. Regularly topping up lip SPF is important, as eating and drinking may remove some of the formula.
For those seeking a lip balm with a sheer and subtle tint, crafted with silk protein and botanical lanolin, there's an option offering broad spectrum SPF 25 protection. For those who prefer a higher SPF, a lip balm formulated with shea butter, argan oil, and vitamin E offers SPF50 protection.
Lip oils can be layered over long-lasting lipstick for a high-shine effect. However, it's important to be aware that lip oils can contain ingredients that sensitize to sunlight, increasing the risk of burning or color change to the lips when exposed to sunlight.
In summary, lip oils without SPF can make your lips more vulnerable to harmful UV rays and cause pigmentation or worse damage. Protect your lips by using lip products with sufficient SPF and limiting unprotected sun exposure. Early and consistent lip sun protection is crucial because sun damage accumulates silently and can lead to visible pigmentation, premature aging, DNA damage, and increased cancer risk over time.
- In addition to proper skincare and beauty routines, incorporating health-and-wellness practices like using a lip balm with SPF helps maintain skin barrier health on the lips and protect them from sun damage.
- For those who love to wear makeup, beauty enthusiasts and dermatologists alike suggest using lip products with SPF, especially during summer months, to prevent sun damage and offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
- When applying lip oil, remember that many of these products may not contain sun protection, making the skin on the lips more susceptible to heat trapping and increased sun damage.
- In the realm of home skincare, it's essential to find lip balms crafted with SPF to ensure your skincare and health-and-wellness routine protects your lips from potential harm caused by sun exposure.
