Does SPF for your lips really make a difference?

We’re already familiar with how important sunscreen is; it’s rightfully labelled as the unskippable holy grail of every skincare routine. Effective sun protection is the first step to healthier skin—preventing premature signs of ageing, minimising the appearance of dark spots, and reducing the risk of skin cancer. This need for protection goes beyond the face, extending to the neck and body as well. A broad-spectrum sunscreen should be used daily, come rain or shine, requiring reapplication every 2-3 hours. While most may have mastered the art of sunscreen application through savvy formulations including sticks, serums, and lotions, the lips continue to remain one area that seems to be glossed over (quite literally). 

There are few things worse than suffering a horrid case of dry, chapped lips. Not only do they leave you unable to eat and smile with comfort, but they’re also less than flattering to look at. While this dryness can be attributed to a number of factors, ranging from dehydration to winter weather, a lesser-known cause is sun damage. 

The skin on our lips is sensitive and unlike the skin on our bodies, it doesn’t produce its own natural protective oils. This leaves them prone to dryness and damage like chapping, cracking, and sunburn. Enter lip balms with SPF! These boast all the lip-loving ingredients of a regular lip balm, with the added benefit of sun protection. Lip balms that are loaded with SPF are formulated to shield your pout from the harmful effects of the sun—such as fine lines, discolouration, and fissuring. “Lips come under direct damage from UV radiation, making them more prone to sun damage. Using lips balms with SPF will help keep your lips looking young and healthy," says board-certified dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad. 

Skin cancer around the lip area can be particularly dangerous, making the application of SPF all the more important. “Just like the rest of your body, year-round application of lip SPF is a must. This is because UV rays can harm your lips even on cloudy or winter days," adds Dr Sharad. Similar to sunscreens that are applied on the face and body, the benefits of SPF on lip balms tend to wear off after 2-3 hours, making re-application a requisite. It’s also recommended to reapply regularly if you have a habit of picking at your lips, and after you eat or drink. It is common for SPF lip products to have lower-than-normal sun protection factors; for optimal lip protection, experts suggest using SPF lip products with an SPF of 30 or higher.

To answer the big question that’s been on all our minds—yes, SPF for your lips can make all the difference! Not only will an SPF lip balm help protect your lips but it will also keep them hydrated, nourished, and plump all day long. What’s more? Today's SPF lip products go beyond the basic moisturizing lip balm in a stick. You can find everything from sunscreen-packed tinted lip oils to high-shine glosses and moisturizing lipsticks—meaning there’s something for everyone. 

Below are some of our favourite lip balms with SPF.

Sebamed Lip Care Defense, ₹445

Bobbi Brown SPF Lip Balm, ₹3,100 

Fae Beauty Tinted Lip Balm, ₹220

iS Clinical Liprotect, ₹2,550

The Body Shop Protective Lip Balm, ₹995