Summer Lip Care
It’s natural to want to get out in the sun during warm summer days. It should also be second nature to take steps to protect your skin from the sun when you go outside.
Skin safety is at the top of everyone’s list during the summer and your lips need protection too – especially during the summer – because they lack the natural glands to keep them moist. As the temperatures rise and your lips are exposed to harmful UV rays, your lips may become dry and chapped, which leaves them looking and feeling not so great.
Several factors contribute to your increased risk for acquiring lip cancer including: unprotected sun exposure, poor oral health, use of indoor tanning beds, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor eating habits and dehydration.
Here are a few simple tips that can help protect your lips:
Moisturize and Protect: Lip balm might be the most important skin care product in your summer skin care tool bag. It serves two purposes – to protect the lips from harmful UV rays and to moisturize them, thereby preventing dehydration and chapping. Choose a lip balm that has an SPF of at least 15 (30 is preferable). Just like you normally do to skin on your face and body, apply your SPF balm at least 30 minutes before stepping out into the sun. Re-apply constantly, at least every two hours, for all-day lip care and UV protection.
Hydrate: Chronic dehydration leads to dry skin and this includes the lips. Staying hydrated will help improve your overall health and this includes the health of your skin and lips. The amount of water you drink depends on your size and weight as well as your activity level and where you live. In general, you should try to drink at least 1/2 oz of water for each pound you weigh. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink at least 75 ounces of water a day.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Healthy skin begins on the inside. Studies have shown that nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and vitamin C provide antioxidants and other nutrients that protect against skin damage. Choose a healthy, balanced diet for healthy, glowing skin – including the lips.
Stay in the Shade: Limit your direct exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest. Stay in the shade as much as possible and protect your skin (and your lips) by wearing clothing and wide-brimmed hats that cover as much skin as possible.
Refrain From Using Indoor Tanning Beds: Tanning beds contain the same amount of intensity of UV radiation as the sun, and can cause serious long-term skin damage and contribute to skin cancer.
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