Why You Should Apply Sunscreen to Your Lips, According to a Dermatologist

By Sarah Kinonen, Allure

 

Even if you slather on the dermatologist-recommended shot glass of sunscreen daily — and diligently reapply every couple of hours — apparently, you're still not protecting your skin as well as you should from the sun's damaging UV rays.

[post_ads]According to Elizabeth Tanzi, founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care, and associate clinical professor in the department of dermatology at George Washington University Medical Center, the No. 1 area of the body people tend to skimp on sunscreen is, surprisingly, the lips. "People forget to protect their lips," says Tanzi. "Skin cancer in this area can be particularly dangerous, which is why everyone needs lip balm with SPF."

Luckily, you've come to the right place, because we've got a laundry list of lip-friendly sunscreen recommendations for the taking. Here, we've hand-picked five SPF-packed lip treatments to swipe on this summer — which means you now have virtually no excuse but to protect that pucker.

 
Fresh Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen SPF 30

This Best of Beauty winner took home the top prize last year for its high SPF count and ultra-nourishing formula made with beeswax, jojoba seed, and grape seed oil. And even today, it continues to live up to its hype.

$25 (sephora.com)

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Coola Mineral Liplux SPF 30 in Firecracker

It looks, smells, and even applies like a lipstick, but what makes this tinted treatment different from its colorful cousins is that it's formulated with SPF 30 to block the sun's powerful rays from your lips. (Fun fact: It comes in six colorful sheer shades.)

$18 (ulta.com)

Bare Republic Mineral Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 30 in Mojito

This zesty-scented, TSA-friendly tube is made with mineral sunscreen, which means less irritation and more protection. Oh, and did we mention it's under $5?

$3.99 (target.com)

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Supergoop! AcaiFusion Lip Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Less of a balm and more like a gloss, this lip slip, blended with nourishing beeswax and shea butter, gives lips a slight sheen and a whole lot of UV protection.

$9.50 (sephora.com)

 
Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30

 

 

This O.G. hydrator, which has been recommended by dermatologists for decades, continues to be a fan favorite, even today. Why? It glides on lips like butter and lasts for hours — even in the sun.
   
More on sun protection:

• 11 Sun Protection Tips From the Country's Best Dermatologists
• Everything You Wanted to Know About Skin Checks (But Were Afraid to Ask the Internet)
• SPF You Can Eat