Winter Lips Need SPF Too
Your lip balm should be doing more than moisturizing.
The lips have a thin outer layer and little protective melanin, and the lower lip is a frequent site for UV-related skin cancers — yet most lip balms offer no SPF.
Dermatologists recommend an SPF lip balm year-round, noting that lips are easy to forget and especially exposed in winter sun and on the slopes.
Questions we get a lot
Why do lips need SPF, even in winter?
Lip skin is thin and has very little melanin, so it sunburns easily, and the lower lip is a common spot for UV-related skin cancers. UVA stays fairly constant year-round and snow reflects up to 80% of UV, so a broad-spectrum SPF lip balm matters in winter — especially outdoors or skiing.
What SPF should a lip balm have, and how often should I reapply?
Use a lip balm labeled broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Because eating, drinking and licking your lips wear it away quickly, reapply every couple of hours outdoors and after meals. Regular tinted balms and lipsticks without an SPF claim don't provide reliable protection.
Do I need lip and sun protection in winter generally?
Yes. UVA rays — which cause aging and contribute to skin cancer — stay fairly constant year-round and pass through clouds, and snow reflects up to 80% of UV. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin and an SPF lip balm in winter, especially for snow sports at altitude.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'Do I really need SPF lip balm in winter, or is that overkill?'