Benefits of SPF Lip Products How often should you reapply? Which Lip SPF is better? Should you ever avoid SPF lip products? The Best Lip Products with SPF

Unprotected skin is more susceptible to photodamage, premature aging, and skin cancer. Skin that is not protected is more vulnerable to photodamage, skin cancer, and premature aging. 1 Lips are also at risk.

Lip products with SPF go far beyond the simple lip balm. Various lip products will meet your needs, from tinted lip oil with sunscreen to glossy glosses to moisturizing lipsticks. We’ll break down some of the best SPF lip products and our favorites.

MEET THE EXPERT

• Marisa Garrisick is a dermatologist board-certified in New Jersey.
• AJ Addae, a cosmetic chemist with Sula Labs, is a researcher and developer in the Black Beaut category.

Lip Products with SPF Protection Offer Benefits

Lip products with SPF are beneficial to overall lip health. Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garrick describes lip products with SPF as “multitaskers” that protect lips from UV damage and nourish them so they look healthier.

Lips can be easily damaged by the sun, resulting in hyperpigmentation and skin cancer in more severe cases. Lips are thin and lack melanin, a pigment that protects the skin from the sun. Lip products with sunscreen should be worn daily to protect lips from UV rays. This can cause sunburns, chapped lips, and dryness. Sun damage and dark spots can lead to fine lines and wrinkles around the lips and lips. Unprotected lips can also develop actinic cheilitis (sailor’s Lip), where the skin becomes constantly chapped, dry, and scaly.

According to AJ Addae, a cosmetic chemist at Sula Labs, SPF lip products offer sun protection and potential antioxidant benefits. She explains that SPF lip products are a good option for those who want to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on their lips or protect them from UV-induced photoaging.

Most SPF lip products also contain humectants to hydrate lips. These include hyaluronic acids, ceramides, and glycerin. Others use emollients like coconut oil, petrolatum, shea butter, or petrolatum. Addae claims that all SPF lip products use the same UV filters, like zinc oxide and titania dioxide, to provide UV protection. You can find lip-specific sunscreens that are clear and don’t have a white cast. She says SPF lip products often have lower sun protection factors than expected.

How often should you reapply SPF lip products?

Use SPF lip products with an SPF of 30 or greater daily, and reapply them every two hours if possible. You should apply more product if you lick your mouth often. Apply lip SPF at least 30 minutes in advance if you plan to spend the day outdoors.

Not only during hot summer days but all year round, protecting your lips from sun damage and skin cancer is essential. Garshick says UV radiation is present year-round, but SPF lip products become more important during summer when people spend more time outdoors.

What is the best Lip SPF?

Whether you choose a lip balm or a gloss, gloss, or lipstick to protect your lips, all are equally effective in protecting them from sun damage. Garshick says lip products with SPF 30 or more effectively protect lips from sun damage, regardless of the formulation. Applying lipstick or gloss on top of lip sunscreen is not harmful. Garshick suggests choosing an SPF with different shades if you want to keep your lip color. This makes it easier to reapply.

Addae said that research is still needed to improve the efficacy of UV protection for the lips. Addae says, “we know that, like the eye area and the perioral region, the perioral skin area displays some of the first signs of ageing. This suggests that daily protection with SPF, as well as reapplications of lip products, can be crucial if you want to prevent photoaging.”

The formula’s ingredients are more important than the formula itself when protecting lips from the sun. Garshick recommends mineral blockers such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sensitive skin. Chemical filters can cause irritation and sensitivity. She suggests avoiding allergens such as fragrances and beeswax products containing propolis. Choose a formula that feels good on your lips if sensitive skin is not an issue.

Do you ever avoid SPF lip products?

You should use an SPF lip product daily unless your dermatologist advises against it because you have highly chapped or dry lips. You can skip the SPF lip product if you use face or body sunscreen to protect your lips. Addae, however, says that SPF designed explicitly for lips has the advantage that it is easier to rub in and absorb.

Garshick says that while most lip products with SPF contain hydrating and nurturing ingredients such as hyaluronic acids and emollients, Garshick warns that those with sensitive skin should avoid using chemical filters. She says that chemical filters can cause skin irritation or reactivity. Look for lip products with mineral sunscreens. Avoid anything that contains alcohol, menthol, or fragrances, as they can cause your lips to become dry.

Addae says that, technically, you can get some lip protection from wearing lipsticks. They contain iron oxide pigments which have similar UV-reflective qualities to zinc oxide, zinc oxide titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. She says it is common to find lip products labeled with SPF as an additional benefit. Even so, lipstick without SPF blockers won’t provide UV protection.

The Best Lip SPF Products

Black Girl Sunscreen, Make It Pop SPF Lip Gloss ($9) This vegan lip gloss has SPF 50, higher than standard. This lip gloss is free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, tripeptides, and avocado. It also contains jojoba oil, avocado, and vitamin E.