If you're finding that your lips are permanently dry no matter how frequently you reapply lip balm nor how hydrating your lipstick, you might be missing a key component to your lip care regime: SPF.
While most of us have (hopefully) come to accept SPF as a staple in our everyday skincare regime, many of us still neglect our lips, which as well as dryness, chapping and discolouration can also cause skin damage and premature ageing of the skin.
"Just as you would treat skin in other areas, the skin around the mouth should be protected every morning with sunscreen and topical antioxidants to prevent damage from daily UV light," explains Nina Prisk, aesthetic nurse and member of British Association of Cosmetic Nurses.
According to Nina, the lips are particularly prone to signs of ageing due to the constant physical stress they experience. "The lip area endures constant stress and strain from talking, pouting, smiling and smoking, which all contribute to ageing of the lips," she says. "Plus, they are just as prone to the effects of dehydration, inflammation and environmental stressors such as UV rays and pollution as the rest of our skin, if not more so."
Luckily, it's easy to protect your lips thanks to the array of lip balms, tints and gels containing broad-spectrum sun protection. With temperatures hotting up, there's never been a better time to invest in one, especially considering 67% of Brits don’t use enough sun cream according to a survey by The Hospital Group, and over half of those surveyed experienced sunburn on their last holiday.
25 best sunscreens and sun creams to shield your skin from harmful UV rays
Gallery25 PhotosDon't forget the rest of you! Check out our round up of the best SPFs for face, and the sunscreens for your body that you can rely on for lasting protection. Confused by it all? Don't worry, we've answered every question you may have about sun cream, from the ingredients to avoid, to the difference between the types of UV rays.
Keep scrolling to find our the best lip balms with SPF protection...
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