The scorching sun rays and ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate your lips more quickly than any other parts of your skin.
The skin around your lips is thin and sensitive, making them more susceptible to sun damage, which can cause premature ageing, wrinkles, sunburn, and even skin cancer. To protect your lips from the sun, here are 30 ways you can shield your lips from the sun:.
1. Use Lip Balm with SPF
Applying lip balm with SPF is the easiest and most effective way to protect your lips from the sun. Look for a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15, and reapply every two hours or after eating or drinking.
2. Wear a Hat
A wide-brimmed hat helps to shade your face and lips from the direct sun rays. This easy and low-cost sun protection method is suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and picnicking.
3. Use Lipstick with SPF
Lipsticks with SPF are another great way to protect your lips from the sun. These lipsticks provide sun protection while still giving you the beauty benefits of wearing a lipstick.
4. Invest in a High-Quality Sunglass
Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from the sun, but they also protect the skin around your eyes and lips as well. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection can prevent wrinkles and sunburn around your lips.
5. Use Sunscreen on Your Face and Lips
Using sunscreen on your face and lips is essential during the sunny months. Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your face, lips, and other exposed areas of your skin, reapplying every two hours.
6. Avoid the Sun During Peak Hours
Stay indoors or under a shade during peak hours when the sun’s rays are most intense. This is usually between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
7. Use a Lip Plumper with SPF
Lip plumper with SPF can give lips a fuller and plumper look while providing sun protection.
8. Use Natural Sun Protection
You can use natural sun-protecting ingredients in your lip care regimen. Look for lip balms that contain natural sun-blocking ingredients such as shea butter, beeswax, or coconut oil.
9. Reapply After Swimming
Remember to reapply after swimming, even if your lip balm or lipstick is labelled as water-resistant. Water can wash off the sun protection on your lips and other skin.
10. Apply Lip Gloss with SPF
Lip gloss with SPF is perfect for giving your lips a glossy shine while shielding them from harmful sun rays.
11. Protect Your Lips with Clothing
Covering your lips with clothing can protect them from the sun. Wear a scarf or a shirt with a high collar to shield your lips from the sun.
12. Use a Non-Toxic Lip Balm
Use a non-toxic lip balm that is free of harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
13. Apply Lip Balm Before Bed
Apply lip balm before bed to keep your lips moisturized and protected from dryness and sun damage.
14. Use a Lipstick with a Matte Finish
Matte lipstick can act as a sun protection film and shield your lips from the sun’s rays.
15. Use a Tinted Lip Balm with SPF
A tinted lip balm with SPF helps to add some color to your lips while shielding them from the sun’s harmful rays.
16. Eat Foods Rich in Antioxidants
Include foods rich in antioxidants such as berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens in your diet. Antioxidants help to protect your skin and lips from sun damage.
17. Use a Lip Conditioner with SPF
Use a lip conditioner with SPF to keep your lips soft, smooth and sun-protected.
18. Apply Cold Compress
If you have sunburnt lips, apply a cold compress to soothe the affected area. Avoid touching or peeling the affected area as this could worsen the condition.
19. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Hydrated skin is less susceptible to sun damage than dry skin.
20. Wear a Neck Gaiter
Wearing a neck gaiter is another great way to protect your lips from the sun’s harmful rays during outdoor activities.
21. Apply Aloe Vera
If you have sunburnt lips, apply aloe vera to soothe and heal the affected area. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that can also help to reduce inflammation and redness.
22. Avoid Staying in a Hot Car
Avoid staying in a hot car, especially during peak hours. Your car can act like a greenhouse, trapping heat and causing your body and lips to overheat.
23. Apply a Lip Serum with SPF
A lip serum with SPF helps to firm and smooth your lips while also shielding them from harmful sun rays.
24. Use a Lip Exfoliator with SPF
Exfoliating your lips can help remove dead skin cells and debris, leaving them smooth and supple. Using a lip exfoliator with SPF provides additional sun protection.
25. Apply Lipstick with Zinc Oxide
Lipsticks with zinc oxide provide broad-spectrum sun protection and help to prevent sun damage.
26. Avoid Tanning Beds
Avoid using tanning beds as they emit UV rays that can cause significant harm to your skin and lips.
27. Apply Vitamin E Oil
Applying vitamin E oil to your lips can help to reduce inflammation, speed up healing, and moisturize your lips.
28. Use a Lip Plumper with Hyaluronic Acid
A lip plumper with hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate and protect your lips while also giving them a fuller appearance.
29. Wear a Mouth Guard During Sports
Wear a mouthguard during sports activities to prevent injuries to your lips and teeth and reduce the risk of sun damage.
30. Use a Lip Tint with SPF
A lip tint with SPF provides a natural-looking effect while also shielding your lips from harmful sun rays.