About Lips, SPF, and Shiny Lip Gloss

We know all about applying our sunscreen products to our body, before going out in the sun, and reapplying every two hours or so and after swimming.
I just never thought much at all about lip protection, until I read an article that said that shiny lip gloss actually allows the ultra-violet rays to penetrate the lips even more!

"What most people don't realize is they're actually increasing light penetration through the lip surface by applying something clear and shiny to them," said Dr. Christine Brown of Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.

They recommend that we protect our lips from the UV rays of the sun with lip balm-type products that have a SPF of 30. Apply your lip balm-type SPF 30 product before you apply your lipstick or lip gloss and again if you are outdoors for more than 20 minutes. It's ok to wear the glossy lipsticks or lip gloss outdoors as long as the SPF 30 lip balm is underneath, and you reapply it several times a day.

You should examine your lips for signs of cancer, and see a dermatologist right away if you have any white areas, any changes in color or opaque areas, or any persistent spots of flaking or peeling on your lips.

Be sure to pass this on to all the other gals in your life!
Click here to read the full article on medlineplus.