Important Information for Applying Lip Oil in Sunlight - Insights Provided by a Skin Specialist
The delicate skin on our lips, devoid of natural oils and pigment, requires special attention when it comes to sun protection. Here's what you need to know about the potential risks of wearing lip oil in the sun and how to protect your lips from damage.
Potential Risks of Wearing Lip Oil in the Sun
Wearing lip oil in the sun can pose several risks due to the delicate nature of the skin on your lips. Key concerns include skin sensitization and burning, lip darkening, and clogged pores and acne. Some lip oils may contain ingredients that increase sensitivity to sunlight, enhancing the risk of burning or discoloration when exposed to UV rays. Ingredients like propylene glycol or fragrances in lip oils can increase the risk of lip darkening, especially in sunlight or humidity. Certain lip oils can clog pores, leading to acne-like eruptions.
How to Protect Your Lips from Sun Damage
To protect your lips while using lip oil, consider the following strategies:
- Use Lip Products with SPF: Opt for lip oils or balms that contain SPF 30 or higher and offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Apply Regularly: Reapply lip products frequently, especially after eating or drinking, as these activities can remove the protective formula.
- Choose Lip Oils Wisely: Avoid lip oils with ingredients that may increase sensitivity or darkening, such as propylene glycol or fragrances.
- Minimize Sun Exposure: Limit direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours, to further reduce the risk of damage.
Our lips are one of the most delicate areas of our body, requiring more care and attention than other parts of the face. Dr Bardhan advises that everyone should seek out lip products with SPF, especially in the summer months.
Lip oils can be layered over a long-lasting lipstick to unlock a high-shine effect. The best lip oils have nourishing, hydrating formulas that rival some of the best lip balms.
Recommended Lip Balms with Sun Protection
There are several lip balms on the market that offer protection from the effects of sun damage. For instance, a lip balm with an RRP of £10 is formulated with shea butter, argan oil, and vitamin E, and offers SPF50 protection. Another option, with an RRP of £35, has a sheer and subtle tint, boasts broad spectrum SPF 25 protection, and is crafted with silk protein and botanical lanolin.
SPF30 and above is preferable for sunscreen protection on the lips. It is important to regularly top up sunscreen on the lips, as eating and drinking may remove some of the formula.
A makeup artist named Anthea Persaud experienced hyperpigmentation after wearing a lip oil in the sun. Dr Bardhan recommends applying sunscreen on the lips to protect them from sun damage.
Sunscreens that have broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB are important for the lips. It is crucial to take care of our lips, as they are particularly vulnerable to UV rays, leading to an increased risk of sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and photoaging (premature ageing due to sustained overexposure to the sun).
- The delicate skin on our lips, often devoid of natural oils and pigment, necessitates special attention when it comes to sun protection, especially when wearing lip oil, as it can lead to potential risks such as skin sensitization, burning, lip darkening, and clogged pores.
- To mitigate these risks, consider using lip products with SPF, applying them regularly, selecting lip oils wisely, minimizing sun exposure, and ensuring the SPF is 30 or higher for adequate sun protection.
- Embracing a health-and-wellness lifestyle, one should seek lip products with SPF, particularly during summer months, as our lips, being one of the most delicate areas of our body, require more care and attention.
- Skin-care and beauty enthusiasts can still enjoy the high-shine effect of lip oils by layering them over long-lasting lipsticks, but should be mindful of the ingredients and opt for those that do not increase sensitivity or darkening.
- Fashion-and-beauty trends aside, it is vital to remember that the potential risks of wearing lip oil in the sun can outweigh the benefits, and proper sun protection is crucial, especially for the sensitive skin on our lips, making it prone to UV rays, leading to sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging (photoaging).
