Why It’s So Important to Apply SPF on Your Lips

We’re all pretty locked in when it comes to SPF these days—tinted formulas in the morning, mineral mists by noon, maybe even a UPF bucket hat if we’re feeling extra. But there’s one spot almost everyone forgets to protect, and trust, it matters more than you think. Yep, we’re talking about your lips.

While we’re all trained to slather sunscreen on our faces (and kind of blend it toward the hairline), the lips are usually an afterthought, if they’re remembered at all. According to Catie Boucher, a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner and founder of SavvyDerm, that’s a huge mistake. “The lips are almost always an afterthought when it comes to sun protection,” she says. “But they should be a priority.” The skin on your lips is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, which means it’s especially vulnerable to sun damage. Neglecting SPF here doesn’t just risk a painful burn—it can accelerate aging and increase the chance of precancerous spots. So yeah, your lips deserve way more love when it comes to sun protection.

Want to learn how to stay protected? Read on below for derm-approved tips and tricks.

Why You Really Need to Protect Your Lips

First, let’s talk pain. Unlike a shoulder sunburn that you can ignore under a T-shirt, a lip burn makes everyday things like eating, drinking, or even smiling. Worse, it can trigger cold sores for those prone to them, which is simply an insult on top of injury.

But it’s not just a discomfort thing. “After nearly a decade in dermatology, I saw so many precancerous lesions develop on the lips,” says Boucher. “These aren’t skin cancer yet, but they can become cancerous if left untreated.” That often means prescription chemo creams, topical treatments that are seriously painful, and can turn basic tasks like sipping water into a full-on ordeal. Yeah… not worth skipping that lip balm.

And while you might not see damage right after a day in the sun, that doesn’t mean it’s not happening beneath the surface. Over time, UV exposure to the lips (or any often-neglected area) breaks down collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm and smooth. This damage speeds up visible signs of aging like fine lines, rough texture, and uneven tone.

As Boucher explains, “the skin is our largest organ, and while many people are focused on achieving a glow, neglecting skin health has consequences that go far beyond the surface.” Without proper protection, this sun damage can accumulate quietly but relentlessly, leading to spots that won’t heal, premature aging, and even precancerous lesions. So protecting your lips with SPF isn’t just about avoiding a painful burn—it’s an essential step in preserving your skin’s health and youthful appearance.

How to Actually Remember These Easy-to-Miss Spots

The good news is, we’re living in a golden age of genius SPF products designed to cover these sneaky zones. And to make sure you don’t miss a spot, Boucher recommends applying lip SPF before you put on anything else, especially before heading out in a bathing suit or to the beach. “Applying sunscreen before putting on your bathing suit, not after,” she says, “is one of the easiest ways to make sure nothing gets missed in those hard-to-reach, often-burned areas—especially your lips.”

If you’re worried about reapplying, keep a lip-specific SPF gloss or balm in your bag for quick touch-ups. The best formulas blend seamlessly with your favorite lip color or give a subtle shine, so you’re protected without sacrificing style. Colorescience makes lip glosses that double as mineral SPF, which Boucher swears by, noting “you’d never know they’re actually for sun protection.” Products like this make it easy to keep your pout safe and stylish all day long without that thick, sticky feel.

Bottom line? If your lips have been the forgotten SPF zone, it’s time to change that. A little lip love with the right SPF can save you from painful burns, premature aging, and serious damage down the road—plus, it keeps your smile looking flawless. It’s a win-win.