As summer approaches, it’s time to think about skincare in the sunny season, and one often overlooked aspect is lip care. Here’s why you should be reaching for that tube of lip balm before you head outdoors.
1. Sun Protection
Your skin isn’t the only thing that needs protection from harmful UV rays; your lips are susceptible too. Lip balms with SPF can shield your lips from the sun, preventing both short-term burns and long-term damage such as increased risk of skin cancers and premature aging.
2. Moisture Retention
Hot weather and constant air conditioning can dry out your lips. Lip balms help to lock in moisture and provide a barrier against heat, keeping your lips hydrated and plump. This is particularly important because unlike other parts of your skin, your lips don’t produce natural oils to keep them moist.
3. Enhanced Beauty
A little tint from your lip balm can go a long way in enhancing your summer makeup look. Many lip balms come in various shades and can substitute for lipstick, offering a lighter, more natural look suitable for beach days and summer nights out.
4. Prevention of Chapping and Cracking
Regular use of lip balm helps to prevent the painful chapping and cracking that can occur when lips become dry. This not only keeps your lips comfortable and soft but also makes it easier to apply and wear lip color without uneven textures.
5. Soothing Properties
Ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter can provide immediate relief to irritated or inflamed lips. These soothing components are perfect for after-sun care when your lips need recovery from overexposure.
6. Quick Fixes for Dry Lips
Beyond just prevention, the right lip balm can also be a curative treatment by helping to repair and rejuvenate already damaged lips. Products with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E or honey are excellent for their healing properties.
7. Long-Term Health Benefits
Using lip balm regularly can help improve the overall resilience and health of the lip skin barrier. This can lead to fewer cold sores, less likelihood of infections, and a smoother canvas for all your lip beauty products.
Choosing the Right Lip Balm
When selecting a summer lip balm, consider the following features to ensure you get the most out of the product:
- SPF Protection: Look for lip balms with at least SPF 30 to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Hydrating components like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or natural oils will help keep your lips supple.
- Tint and Shimmer: Opt for products that offer a hint of color or shimmer if you want to enhance your summer beauty routine.
- Soothing Agents: Balms with ingredients like chamomile or calendula can soothe and calm sun-exposed lips.
- Water Resistance: A water-resistant lip balm is ideal if you plan to spend a lot of time swimming or sweating.
Shop our favorites
Summer Fridays
- Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm Trio: Vanilla, Vanilla Beige, and Brown Sugar: Vanilla Beige adds a touch of sheer beige tint; Brown Sugar imparts a veil of nude color; and untinted Vanilla is ideal over or under lipstick, or as a nourishing overnight mask.
Find on: https://amzn.to/4aQNbjQ (Amazon)
e.l.f.
- e.l.f. Squeeze Me Lip Balm: Meet e.l.f. Cosmetics Squeeze Me Lip Balm, your new favorite lip product for hydrated and nourished lips. This moisturizing leave-on lip balm helps hydrate with a sheer tint of color and is enriched with lip-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and goji berry. Perfect for getting a boost of moisture with a sheer tint of color wherever you are.
Find on: https://amzn.to/3xQZzlp (Amazon)
Summer Lip Care Tips
To maximize the benefits of your lip balm, consider these additional tips:
- Reapply Frequently: Sun protection wears off, especially if you are swimming or sweating. Reapply your SPF lip balm every two hours.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water will help keep your lips (and your whole body) hydrated from the inside out.
- Use a Lip Scrub: Occasionally using a gentle lip scrub can remove dead skin cells and improve the efficacy of your lip balm.
- Nighttime Care: Apply a thicker layer of balm at night to repair your lips as you sleep, especially after a long day outdoors.
By integrating lip balm into your daily summer skincare routine, you’re not just caring for your lips; you’re enhancing your overall health and beauty strategy. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hiking in the hills, or enjoying an evening out, your lips will always be ready to face the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it important to use a lip balm with SPF in the summer?
Using a lip balm with SPF is crucial because it protects your lips from harmful UV rays, which can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
2. How does lip balm help keep lips hydrated?
Lip balm locks in moisture and provides a protective barrier against the drying effects of summer heat and air conditioning, helping to keep lips hydrated and plump.
3. Can lip balm replace lipstick in the summer?
Yes, many lip balms come with tints and can offer a lighter, more natural look that is perfect for summer. They hydrate while providing color, making them a great substitute for traditional lipsticks.
4. What ingredients should I look for in a lip balm for soothing properties?
Look for ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter in your lip balm. These have soothing properties that are excellent for calming inflamed or sun-exposed lips.
5. How often should I reapply in the summer?
You should reapply every two hours, especially if you are swimming or sweating, to maintain effective lip protection.