Keeping your smile healthy isn’t limited to just your teeth and gums. It’s also important that you care for your lips. Since the skin of your lips is thinner and contains less melanin, it is more vulnerable to the sun’s ray, putting you at risk of developing oral cancer. Read on to learn why it’s so important that you are protecting your lips and the best way to do that throughout the summer months.
Why Do Your Lips Need Sun Protection?
Your lips are just as susceptible to the sun’s radiation as the rest of your skin. This means that they are also vulnerable to skin cancer. You may be in a good habit of applying sunscreen on your shoulders and face when spending time outdoors, but the lips are often neglected and left without protection.
How Should You Protect Your Lips?
- Use SPF: The best thing you can do for your lips is to use a moisturizing lip balm that contains SPF. It’s best to choose one that contains an SPF 30 or above, as this filters out about 97% of UVB rays. This should be reapplied about every two hours.
- Stay Hydrated: On top of your SPF lip balm, it’s important to stay hydrated, especially if you are spending a lot of time outside.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: One of the best ways to protect your lips is to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours when the sun is most intense.
- Wear a Hat: Hats are a valuable tool for protecting your face and lips from the sun. Be sure to pick out one with a wide enough brim to provide shade for your lips.
- Exfoliate: It is beneficial to exfoliate your lips to remove nay chapped, dry skin to keep you from picking at them.
How Can Sunburnt Lips Be Treated?
If your lips are redder than usual, tender to the touch, swollen, or have small, white blisters, they are probably sunburnt. For some relief, try dipping a soft, clean washcloth in ice water and touch it to your lips. Aloe vera and other moisturizers can help with healing. A mild sunburn usually lasts somewhere between 3 to 5 days. If the area isn’t healing, this is something to bring up to your doctor.
This summer, make sure that you aren’t forgetting about your lips when it comes to skin protection. By taking some steps, you can keep your lips protected, lowering your risk of oral cancer.
About the Practice
At Sweet Smiles Dental Design, Dr. Alison Fitzgerald and Dr. Jay Lopez work together to treat patients in the Castle Rock community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about oral cancer or to schedule your next screening, visit his website or call (303) 688-9519.