Consumers often reach for beauty products, including lip balms, foundations, and moisturisers, that claim to offer sun protection factor (SPF). However, a prominent dermatologist has clarified that while these products can play a role in sun defence, their effectiveness heavily depends on correct usage and understanding their limitations.
The skin on the lips is particularly vulnerable to sun damage, including sunburn, premature ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer. SPF lip balms are therefore a valuable tool in a daily skincare routine. The expert emphasised that consistent application of an SPF lip balm, especially when outdoors, is critical. Unlike other areas of the face where makeup might be applied once, lip products are often worn off through eating, drinking, and talking, necessitating frequent reapplication to maintain protection.
Beyond lip care, the dermatologist highlighted that many cosmetic products such as foundations or tinted moisturisers containing SPF can give a false sense of security. While the inclusion of SPF is beneficial, the amount typically applied by consumers is often far less than the quantity used in laboratory testing to achieve the stated SPF rating. For example, to achieve an SPF 30 rating, a significant layer of product is usually required, which most people do not apply when using foundation as part of their daily makeup routine.
To ensure adequate protection, consumers should not rely solely on their makeup for sun defence. It is recommended to apply a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 underneath makeup. This provides a foundational layer of protection against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays. For lip protection, a separate SPF lip balm should be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently after eating or drinking, particularly when spending extended periods outdoors.
The advice underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to sun protection, combining dedicated sunscreen products with SPF-infused cosmetics. Understanding how to properly use these products, rather than just relying on their presence, is key to safeguarding skin health against the damaging effects of the sun.