Lips are wonderfully talented when it comes to kissing. They also look fabulous lacquered in a bold lipstick. Oh, and they do a darn good job of protecting your teeth if you’re a little bit of a clutz and are known to take a stack or two…
Something lips are not fantastic at is this: protecting themselves from the sun. In fact, they are rubbish at it. And that’s precisely why it’s up to you to apply an SPF lip product on a daily basis, alongside your usual facial and body sunscreens.
Not sure if you can be bothered with this extra step? Read this and you may just change your mind…
Why your lip products should contain SPF
#1 Lips do not contain melanin – the pigment that causes your skin to tan after sun exposure – which puts your lips at a higher risk of sun damage.
#2 Lips are very sensitive. This is because the underlying bloody vessels are extremely close to the skin, hence your pout’s pinky-red hue.
#3 Lips do not contain sebaceous glands, which are the glands that hydrate your skin. This means they require extra protection and hydration in comparison to other areas of the body.
#4 Just like the shiny surface of water or snow, lip glosses without an SPF actually attract the sun and can leave your lips dehydrated, burnt or even blistered.
#5 Sun damage alters your body’s natural ability to produce collagen, which can cause your lips to wrinkle and fine lines to form around the mouth area.
BEST LIP PRODUCT WITH SPF #1:OP Therapy Leverage for Lips.
Along with nourishing Manuka honey, this SPF 15 lip balm also delivers a moisture hit thanks to its Australian sandalwood oil.
BEST LIP PRODUCT WITH SPF #2: Rubifresh Skincare Lip Balm ($12, www.rubifresh.com.au).
Containing raspberry seed oil, a naturally-occurring ingredient that helps protect against sun damage, this hydrating balm is also packed with vitamin E, and macadamia and almond oils.
BEST LIP PRODUCT WITH SPF #3:Carmex Lip Balm Click Sticks with SPF15 in Strawberry.
Not only does this soothing formula give a gloss-like shine, but it smells absolutely divine, too.
BEST LIP PRODUCT WITH SPF #4:Banana Boat Aloe Vera Lip Balm SPF 30+.
Soothing and protecting, this balm is absolutely wonderful at preventing and relieving dryness, cracking, peeling and chapping.
BEST LIP PRODUCT WITH SPF #5: Ella Bache Great Lipsaver 30+.
Containing a sheer tint with a glossy finish, this high-sun-protection product also contains a nourishing blend of lanolin, mango butter, shea butter, jojoba and pomegranate.
Did you know your lip area was so susceptible to sun damage? Do you apply an SPF to your lip area? Will you do so from now on?
