How To: Protect Your Lips from the Summer Sun

When we think about oral health, our focus often lands on teeth and gums, but there’s a crucial player in the mix that often goes overlooked: our lips! Just like the rest of our body, our lips require care and attention, especially during the scorching summer months. While basking in the sun’s warmth and enjoying outdoor adventures, it’s easy to forget that our lips are vulnerable to sunburn, which can have serious consequences for our oral and overall health. In this blog post, you can learn more about the importance of lip protection and helpful tips for keeping your lips safe.

The Importance of Lip Protection

Our lips are not only a prominent facial feature but also serve as a vital tool for communication, expression, and (of course) indulging in delicious meals. They lack the protective layer of skin that covers the rest of our body, making them particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Prolonged sun exposure without proper protection can lead to dryness, cracking, and worst of all, painful sunburn.

However, the consequences of sunburned lips go beyond discomfort. Research suggests that excessive sun exposure to the lips could increase the risk of developing oral or skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, nearly 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers occur due to the cumulative effects of UV exposure. So, when we forget to shield our lips from the sun, we might be unknowingly compromising our health.

Ways to Protect Your Lips

Fortunately, protecting your lips from sunburn doesn’t require complex rituals or extensive changes to your routine. A few simple measures can go a long way in ensuring your lips remain healthy and free from sun damage:

• Lip Balm with SPF – Just as you wouldn’t step out without applying sunscreen to your skin, your lips also need protection. Opt for a lip balm that contains a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating. Apply it generously throughout the day, especially when spending time outdoors.
• Seek Shade – When the sun’s rays are at their peak, usually between 10 AM and 4 PM, try to stay in the shade whenever possible. This reduces your lips’ direct exposure to the sun and decreases the risk of sunburn.
• Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat – If you’re planning a day out in the sun, consider adding a stylish wide-brimmed hat to your ensemble. Not only does it shield your face from direct sunlight, but it also offers an extra layer of protection to your lips.
• Hydration is Key – Dehydrated lips are more susceptible to sun damage. Drink plenty of water to keep your body and lips hydrated. You can also use a hydrating lip balm to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

About the Practice

Alamo Springs Dental is dedicated to addressing a wide range of oral health concerns. Beyond standard issues like cavities and gum disease, we take pride in providing information about signs and symptoms related to conditions like oral cancer. If you suspect that you might have oral cancer, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (210) 346-0967 or visit our website. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re here to assist you!