You're a seasoned pro when it comes to knowing which sunscreen to use and how, but does that care extend to your lips? If not, don't feel bad about it. "Lips are often overlooked when it comes to sun protection," says Kathleen S. Viscusi, MD, co-founder and partner at the Dermatology and Surgery Specialists of North Atlanta. "While many people routinely apply lipstick and lip balms, our well intentioned efforts to hydrate and enhance our lips may actually give us a false sense of security, as many of these products typically lack any true sun protection," she adds.
Here's why it's important to protect your pout from UV rays: "It's a little known fact is that the lips are more vulnerable to skin cancer than other areas of the body. The lower lip requires even more special attention due to its increased exposure to the sun from overhead. In fact, skin cancer in this area is considered high risk and can be particularly aggressive when found," cautions Viscusi.