Smile Safely in the Sun: The Importance of Using SPF Lip Balm

While you are out and about enjoying your summer, you may have your sunscreen handy to apply it as needed. It’s great at preventing sunburns on your skin while you are at the pool, beach, or just in nature. But did you know that you should take steps to safeguard your smile as well? The sun can cause some damage to your lips, so keep reading to learn why it’s important to protect them.

Why Do I Need to Protect My Lips?

Just like the rest of your body, your lips are susceptible to the sun’s radiation. They may be even more vulnerable because the skin is often thinner and lacks melanin. The latter helps protect from the rays that can cause harm.

Not only can they become sunburned, but you also risk developing oral cancer. As the cells in your skin become damaged, you may put yourself at a higher risk of this condition. This life-threatening condition affects more than 50,000 patients each year, so it’s important to do your best in preventing it. Many dentists often include a screening during a routine checkup to ensure that your mouth is free from it.

How Can I Protect My Lips From the Sun?

The thought of developing oral cancer can be worrying. There are some easy things you can do to help protect your smile. If you know that you will be venturing outside during the day, then it’s important to be proactive.

You already might be wearing sunscreen, but you should find an SPF lip balm. This help shield against the sun’s rays. As you find a product that works for you, you may find plenty that say SPF 15 or SPF 30+. You want to opt for the latter as they make a difference in how much radiation reaches your skin. 

Many people often wear a wide-brimmed hat as well. This is not only helpful in blocking the sun from your eyes, but your lips and face as well! You might also want to consider staying indoors or in the shade during peak sun times. The mid-morning and mid-afternoon are often when it’s the hottest, so staying put inside may be best.

How Can I Treat Sunburnt Lips?

If you find that your lips are feeling the burn, then there are some things you can do. Here are some helpful tips:

• Apply aloe vera
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Take over-the-counter or anti-inflammatory medication, as directed on the bottle

After a few days, if your situation isn’t improving, then it’s best to seek help from a medical professional! Remember these tips above while you get ready to enjoy calm days at the beach to keep your smile protected.

About the Practice

At Edgewood Dental, you benefit from a skilled team of dentists who look after you and your grin. We understand how you want to soak up the sun to destress during the year. That’s why we are here to provide preventive care to protect your teeth from dental emergencies and oral cancer. Through a screening, we can catch the latter issue early and give you a higher chance of a successful treatment. If it’s time for your next routine checkup, schedule an appointment or call our office at (219) 898-4545.