Can you use sunscreen on your lips?

Can you use your regular face sunscreen?

Use an SPF lip balm rather than assuming your face or body sunscreen is suitable for your lips. General sunscreen directions say to avoid the mouth and specifically identify SPF lip balm for lip protection. Check the individual product's directions, because sunscreen forms have different instructions. Never spray sunscreen directly onto your face.3

Why do lips need sun protection?

Lip skin is thinner and more sensitive than skin elsewhere, and lips can get sunburned. Repeated sun exposure can also cause lasting lip inflammation, called actinic cheilitis. Sunburned lips increase the risk of lip cancer. Lips belong in your sun protection routine, even if the bathroom shelf has filed lip balm under accessories. Protection matters throughout the year, including cold and cloudy days.45

What should the label say?

SPF describes protection against sunburn, mainly from UVB rays. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB rays, so check for both the SPF number and those words. Water resistance is useful outdoors, but no sunscreen is waterproof. A water resistant label states whether protection lasts for 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating. The label has more useful work to do than the flavour name, however ambitious the flavour name gets.3

How to apply and reapply SPF lip balm

1. 1Apply SPF lip balm before going outdoors, following the product's application directions.
2. 2Reapply about every two hours outdoors. For preventing sunburned lips, use the more frequent schedule of every hour.
3. 3Reapply immediately after swimming, eating or drinking rather than waiting for the next scheduled application.
4. 4Limit sun exposure and wear a wide brimmed hat as additional protection.

What if your lips are dry or sensitive?

Choose a fragrance free lip balm, preferably an ointment based formula. Petrolatum, glycerin or mineral oil can help maintain moisture and heal cracks. Balm forms a seal that keeps existing moisture from escaping. Avoid menthol, camphor and eucalyptus on chapped lips because they can dry or irritate them. Use balm or ointment when you wake up, at bedtime and whenever your lips feel dry. Avoid licking or picking peeling lips, which can make dryness and cracks worse.56

Stop using a lip balm that causes stinging, burning or tingling. Lip care products, including sunscreens, can cause irritation or contact allergy. Reactions can include redness, scaling, itching, swelling or small blisters. If inflammation continues after stopping the product, see a dermatologist. Patch testing, which checks for delayed contact allergies, can help identify the ingredient to avoid.57

What if your lips are already sunburned?

Use a cold compress to soothe discomfort and reduce swelling, and moisturize with a gentle balm. Do not pick peeling skin or pop blisters. Sunburned lips usually heal within a few days to a week. Get medical care if the burn worsens or still hurts after a week. Seek care right away if swelling makes eating, drinking or talking difficult. For chapping rather than sunburn, severe cracking can take two to three weeks to recover. See a healthcare provider if treatment does not help, symptoms worsen or bleeding keeps returning.456