As the dog days of summer approach, remember that it’s easy to fall short on safe sun practices—including wearing lip balm with SPF—even when you know better. The reality is that no body part is safe from the sun, and one of the most important and overlooked areas for protection from harmful UV rays is the lips. That’s why a sunscreen-laced balm is a must-have for any , says New York dermatologist .
Best Lip Balms with SPF “Lips have no ability to produce a protective suntan, unlike other skin areas, so they’re prone to burning,” he explains, adding that oily balms and glosses attract more sun to the skin and increase radiation to boot. Over time, exposure can lead to a loss in volume, discoloration, the formation of fine lines—and worse. “Skin cancers on the lower lip are particularly dangerous because they can spread internally into the chest via the lymphatics vessels,” says Gross.
To safeguard your mouth during the sun-drenched months and beyond, there is a crop of shielding that are impressively lightweight, free of chalky white residue, and don’t taste, well, icky. Tried-and-true favorites include , which is a take on the brand’s oft-recommended , and , which provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen protection, yet smooths on easily and injects the lips with hydration. And whether you’re looking for a popsicle-stain-like wash or something a little bolder, you don’t have to sacrifice color.
Tinted formulas like deposit rich pigment along with .