As a generation, we’re much better at applying spf. It helps that so many modern formulas are enjoyable to use and work with our daily lifestyles (like spray sunscreens that sit gently on top of makeup to make top-ups throughout the day even easier). But, despite our best efforts, it seems that there are two major areas that accidentally get skipped on a regular basis.

SPF for lips

The first area that regularly gets missed is our lips. Even though many of us have a dedicated facial spf, we either don’t apply it to our lips, or we don’t reapply to this area often enough. A previous survey from skincare brand, Eos, found that only 1 in 2 of us thinks about applying SPF to our lips and 23% don’t think it’s necessary.

It’s a huge miss. Given the skin on our lips is 82% thinner than the rest of our face and lacks melanin (the pigment which helps to protect skin from the sun), it’s one of the most vulnerable areas to sun damage. “Some parts of the body are more prone to skin cancers, such as the lips – simply because the skin is thin and they get long term exposure to sun, so it is important to apply an SPF to protect them from UV rays,” says Dr Firas Al Niama, top dermatologist and Group Medical Director of skincare clinic Sk:n.

Beyond sun protection, a lip SPF comes with added benefits. “Not protecting lips can also increase the chance of cold sores all of which can cause scarring and inflammation,” notes skincare expert Marie Reynolds. “Hydration is also a huge factor for protection against peeling and splitting, while SPF also reduces the risk of pigmentation of the vermillion line,” she adds.

If you ask us, there’s no excuses. There are so many brands who have invested in creating balms that not only feel comfortable and leave lips soft and hydrated, but they work as a lip product in their own right, whether you want a sheer tint, like Ultra Violette’s Sheen Screen, which comes in seven trending shades, or a lightweight sheen that leaves lips looking bare but nourished.