It’s the peak of summer right now, so you’re likely enjoying what this season has to offer. Maybe you’ve been hanging out at the local beach or getting a tan by the pool. Still, you should also be careful of your lips at this time. These structures can get sunburned and develop oral cancer without the right protection. For that reason, your Norwood dentist would like to offer some crucial guidance. Here are four great ways to protect your lips from the sun this summer.
Get Plenty of Water
Of course, you need to keep hydrated regardless of the time or place. Your body depends on water for many of its key functions. However, hydration is especially crucial when your lips get a lot of sunlight.
Remember, drinking plenty of water moisturizes your lips. That effect makes the fleshy folds outside your mouth less likely to dry out or get a nasty sunburn. So, have a water bottle nearby if you’re going outdoors this summer.
Don’t Sun Yourself Too Much
Another way to defend against sunlight is to avoid it entirely. Therefore, don’t sun yourself too much.
If possible, you could avoid direct sunlight when the sun is most intense. These hours range from 10 am to 3 pm standard time (or 11 am to 4 pm on daylight savings time). That way, there’s a lower chance that your lips will get sunburned or chapped.
Wear Summer Accessories
No matter how you arrange your schedule, you can’t always stay away from the sunny outdoors. That’s even more true during summer – the season of “fun in the sun.” Given these facts, wear proper summer accessories to protect your lips.
Many summer clothing items can shield your lips from sun rays. For instance, you could wear a wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap. A more thorough approach would be to wear a face mask.
Apply a Good Lip Balm
Perhaps the best way to defend lips from the sun’s UV rays is to apply a good lip balm. Those with a sun protection factor (SPF) are ideal in this scenario.
SPF lip balms come in different types. They often range from SPF 15 (which filters out 93% of UVB rays) to SPF 30 (which filters out 97%). Due to this reality, groups like the American Cancer Society recommend SPF 30 brands. Lip balms with a higher SPF are more effective at keeping lips from drying out and getting oral cancer.
Your summer will be even better if you protect your lips from the sun. With that said, make sure to use the tips listed above!
About the Practice
Central Dental Associates is based in Norwood, MA. Led by four excellent dentists with varied specialties, our practice offers a wide range of dental services under one roof. Patients can see us for preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, as well as periodontal and emergency care. That means our team is always ready to help your teeth and gums thrive! For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (781)-769-3566.