We know, we know… Whenever someone mentions ‘SPF for your lips’ there’s an instant flashback to one of your parents swiping a super thick white stick over your lips that made you look like you’d devoured a vanilla ice cream face first. The reality is though, your lips really do need some extra lovin’ when it comes to the sun and why you may be asking? Well! Let us tell you.

If your lips are exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time, there are two things that can happen. Firstly, the rays can break down the collagen in them (collagen is what helps your skin remain elastic and young looking) which can lead to thinning lips. So think less volume and definition to your pout - a little ageing giveaway that you could be avoiding with SPF on your lips keeping them looking plump for longer. No need for injections here!

Secondly, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to potential skin conditions caused by sun damage. Just like the skin around your eyes, the skin on your lips is super thin making them extra sensitive and prone to sun damage, potentially more so than other areas of your body. Due to this, it’s also important to make sure your lips are hydrated because having dry chapped lips can also increase your susceptibility to UVA/UVB rays. 

 

It’s important to mention that you can actually burn your lips. We know it’s quite hard to imagine burning your lips because they are already darker and because, well, burnt lips mean more lip colour… A free lipstick from the sun… We all love a little freebie, but in this case, it’s not worth it girl! We should also tell you that wearing your favourite glossy lip balm or lip gloss that doesn’t contain any SPF protection may be doing more harm than good as they tend to absorb sunlight and say ‘hello’ to lip burns. 

However, wearing an SPF lip balm doesn’t mean you have to stop wearing lipstick from a tube, or any type of lip colour for that matter. The one for your lips can be layered on top of any lip colour to give you that  protection you need! And it gives an added glow, who can complain about that?! You can also wear it on its own to keep your lips hydrated and sun proof all day long. It’s almost like there’s no down side to wearing an SPF on your lips.

Another couple of reasons we’re such big fans of the one for your lips:

• It’s SPF 50, go big or go home when it comes to your lips, right?!?

• It’s full of Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to keep your lips ultra hydrated

• Smells of monoi, YUM! (Obviously don’t eat it though...)

• It has both UVB and UVA broad spectrum protection!

Don’t forget - if you’re chatting lots, eating and drinking, you will have to top up more often than the recommended two hours. Oh, and obviously the same goes for smooching! But you know what they say, ‘sharing is caring’ so maybe if you’re doing the latter, lay it on a little thicker than usual...