Why You Should Apply Sunscreen to Your Lips

Sunscreen skin care doesn’t stop when summer does. The summer sun can take a toll on your skin which may cause dryness, wrinkles, and brown spots however, summer’s not the only time skin damage can occur. Skin exposed to the sun in the fall, winter and spring could also cause damage and an increased incidence of skin cancer. You should always carry one with you whenever you wonder how to prepare for travel.

The Skin Cancer Foundation says that more than one million skin cancer cases are found each year.

5 simple rules to keep your skin protected

Regardless of what time of year it is, you should follow these 5 simple rules to keep your lips protected.

1. Use sunscreen 30 minutes before exposing to sun.
   The protective ingredients in sunscreen need time to react with the skin and start working. A lot of people don’t apply enough sunscreen. One to two ounces (the size of a shot glass) should be applied to the body and a teaspoon to the face.
2. Use sunscreen every 2 hours.
   A good part of the blocking ingredients begin to deteriorate after two hours once applied. Swimming, sweating, and drying off with a towel can remove the sunscreen even if it is waterproof.
3. Get to know the SPF numbers.
   An SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 99%. Don’t forget that the doubling of SPF numbers does not mean a doubling of protection.
4. Wear at least SPF 15 every day on your face and hands.
   These areas are exposed to the sun the most the entire year. Remember to protect your lips with an SPF lip balm.
5. Keep an eye opened for the chemical laden sunscreens.
   A lot of these toxins can penetrate the skin and cause health concerns. Go for a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Skin damage can happen each time your skin is exposed to the sun without protection. That can add up to a lot of abuse over the course of a lifetime.

A daily routine with sunscreen protection can help you a lot in preventing dry, wrinkled, aging skin and lower your risk for skin cancer.