During this time of year, you may hear a lot about sun protection. News sources, social media, and even your friends and family members may frequently mention steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of burns. Unfortunately, such discussions often leave out an important part of the body: the lips. What can you do to protect your lips from the sun and thereby spare yourself from burns and an elevated oral cancer risk? Here is some practical guidance:
Wear SPF
You can apply regular sunscreen lotion to your lips just like you would do for the rest of your body. Granted, it does not taste good, and it can irritate and dry out your delicate lip skin. As a more comfortable alternative, try lip balm that contains SPF.
Some lip balms feature SPF 15, while others have SPF 30. It is better to choose the latter option because it blocks out 97% of the sun’s harmful rays, while SPF 15 products only block out 93%. When it comes to sun protection, that 4% difference is quite significant.
Reapply Your SPF
One of the most common missteps people make when they are trying to shield themselves from the sun is that they forget to reapply their SPF products. Regular sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2 hours or so (more often if you are swimming or sweating a lot). SPF lip balm may need to be reapplied each hour. Try setting a reminder on your phone so you do not lose out on valuable protection.
Wear a Hat
A hat can add an extra layer of sun protection. Try to choose one made out of a solid material that boasts a UPF of 50 or higher. Its brim should also be wide enough to cast some shade on your lips. Sunhats and baseball caps are both good choices.
Avoid the Hottest Part of the Day
The middle part of the day, between 11 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon, is usually when the sun’s radiation is most intense. If you can stay indoors during that period, you will greatly reduce your risk of burns. If you have to go out, try to stay in the shade as much as possible.
Your lips are a precious part of your smile and your oral health! This summer, take steps to protect them from the sun’s harsh rays.
Meet the Practice
Willow Run Dental Association proudly provides the Auburn community with comprehensive oral health services. If you are looking for advice on how to prevent oral cancer or address other issues that might arise with your smile, we are prepared to answer your questions. Contact our team at 207-352-2825.