How To Keep Your Lips Safe In The Sun

Most people think oral health is only about teeth and gums, but lips matter too. We often forget about them, especially when the sun is intense. The skin on your lips is thin and has very little melanin, so it can’t protect itself sufficiently from the sun. That’s why you need extra care to keep your lips safe in the sun.

You might wonder how to protect your lips from the sun. Let’s look at some common questions people ask about keeping their lips safe and healthy.

Why Healthy Lips Affect My Oral Care

Sun protection is usually about your skin, but your lips? They’re often forgotten. Yet, they’re one of the most vulnerable parts of your face. And if you’re living in Fort Worth, Texas, where sunshine is abundant nearly year-round, this oversight can cause more than just discomfort.

At Flossophy Dental Studio, we often get asked about how healthy lips affect oral care. The answer is simple: more than you think. Dry, cracked, or sunburned lips don’t just feel painful—they can impact your entire oral health and even interfere with cosmetic dental treatments.

Why Keep Your Lips Safe In The Sun Protection

Lips don’t have the same level of melanin as the rest of your skin, meaning they lack natural UV protection. As a result, they’re more prone to sun damage, including sunburn, cracking, peeling, and in more serious cases, even lip cancer.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the lower lip is significantly more exposed to UVB rays and is up to 12 times more likely to develop skin cancer than other facial areas. This is especially important in places like Fort Worth, where sun exposure is intense throughout the year.

Sun damage to your lips can lead to:

• Painful sunburns
• Chronic dryness and chapped lips
• Actinic cheilitis, a precancerous condition
• Lip cancer, particularly on the lower lip

These issues cause discomfort and compromise your oral health and the outcome of cosmetic procedures like veneers.

How Much SPF Do My Lips Need?

Many overlook lip SPF entirely, but it’s as important as facial sunscreen.

Daily Protection Apply

A broad-spectrum lip balm with at least SPF 1 for day-to-day use5. It protects against approximately 93% of harmful UVB rays.

High-Exposure Days

When spending extended time outdoors (think Fort Worth’s hot summers, hiking, or pool days), go for a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher. It protects against about 97% of UVB rays.

Key Tip

Reapply lip SPF every two hours, and more frequently after eating or drinking. Lip balm tends to wear off quickly, leaving your lips unprotected without you even realizing it.

Why Healthy Lips Affect My Oral Care

Keeping your lips healthy isn’t just a matter of comfort—it directly impacts oral care. Here’s how:

1. Barrier Against Infection

Cracked or sunburned lips allow bacteria and other irritants to enter more easily. This can lead to cold sores, infections, or inflammation that spreads inside your mouth.

2. Interference with Cosmetic Procedures

Procedures like veneers, braces, or teeth whitening often require your lips to be in good condition. Cracked or swollen lips can make these treatments uncomfortable or less effective. Healthy lips enhance the aesthetic results of cosmetic procedures, helping you achieve the full effect of a smile makeover.

3. Pain and Healing Issues

Even a simple dental cleaning can become painful if your lips are dry, sore, or peeling. Healing time post-treatment can also be longer if the surrounding soft tissues, including your lips, are not in optimal health.

Tips to Keep Your Lips Safe in the Sun

Protecting your lips doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a list of practical, dentist-approved tips that are easy to incorporate into your routine:

Choose a Quality Lip Balm

Look for:

• SPF 30 or higher
• Broad-spectrum coverage (UVA + UVB protection)
• Ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or zinc oxide
  Avoid lip balms with camphor, menthol, phenol, or added fragrance, which can dry your lips or cause irritation.
  

Apply SPF Frequently

Apply your SPF lip balm at least every two hours, and after eating, drinking, or licking your lips. Unlike sunscreen on your skin, lip balm tends to wear off faster.

Hydrate from the Inside Out

Drink plenty of water, especially during hot Fort Worth summers. Dehydration can cause your lips to crack or peel.

Use Physical Protection

Wide-brimmed hats, umbrellas, and even scarves can provide physical barriers against UV rays. These are especially helpful during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Avoid Glossy Lip Products in Direct Sun

Shiny lip glosses can intensify UV rays, similar to using tanning oil. Stick to tinted SPF lip balms if you want a pop of color without added sun risk.

How To Treat Sunburned Lips

If your lips are already sunburned, here’s what you can do to speed up healing and minimize damage:

Apply a Cold Compress

Use a clean, damp cloth to soothe pain and reduce swelling. Apply for 10–15 minutes several times a day.

Use Natural Soothing Agents

Aloe vera, coconut oil, and honey are natural anti-inflammatory agents that reduce irritation and support healing.

Avoid Picking or Peeling

As tempting as it is, don’t peel dry or blistered skin. It delays healing and increases the risk of infection.

Stick to Gentle Lip Balms

Choose fragrance-free and alcohol-free balms to avoid further irritation. Ointments with lanolin, beeswax, or petroleum jelly can help seal in moisture.

Keep Lips Protected

Even when healing, continue to apply SPF to prevent worsening of the sunburn or secondary damage.

Local Recommendations in Fort Worth

Dealing with intense sun exposure, especially during the summer months. Here are some local tips:​

• Choose High-SPF Products: Look for lip balms with SPF 30 or higher.
  
• Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in shaded areas during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).​
  
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Visit Flossophy Dental Studio for routine check-ups to monitor your oral health, including your lips.​
  

Your lips deserve as much care and attention as your teeth and gums. Protecting your lips from the sun is not just about comfort—it’s about health. From preventing painful sunburns to reducing the risk of lip cancer and improving cosmetic results, lip health is directly tied to oral well-being.

If you’re planning a cosmetic dental procedure or simply want to ensure your oral health is on point this summer, Flossophy Dental Studio is committed to helping you maintain optimal oral health, including your lips. Our solutions can help you keep your lips safe in the sun.