Everyone knows the
importance of wearing sunscreen (year round!) to protect your skin from painful sunburn, age spots, wrinkles and – worse – skin cancer, which can be life threatening. You hopefully already slather it on your face, neck, arms, legs and any other exposed areas before you head out into the summer sun. But, do you consider your lips? Because they need sun protection, too!
Why use SPF lip balm?
Lips are delicate. In fact, the skin of the lips is thinner than most other areas of skin on the body. They’re also not protected by hair, which makes them especially susceptible to sun damage – and even skin cancer.
To protect your lips, the
American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a lip balm that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30. Reapply it often while you’re outdoors: every two hours, or more frequently if you’re eating or drinking, swimming or sweating. It’s also a good idea to apply balm up at least 15 minutes before you head outdoors.
Below are 6 top-notch lip balms with broad spectrum SPF that you can get – for less! – at Vitacost.com.
Made with organic ingredients, Hurraw is an all-natural lip balm that you can trust for clean ingredients
and superior sun protection. It’s also one of few lip balms that’s vegan certified and cruelty free. Mineral based, it’s formulated to glide on smooth with an extra thick and creamy texture for long staying power.
Keep your lips soft, smooth and protected with Elemental Herbs lip balm. It’s certified organic, cruelty free and free of gluten and oxybenzone. This balm also gives you a boost with ultra zinc protection and its sun protection factor level of 20.
A wildly popular sunscreen brand Sun Bum also offers high-quality SPF lip balm with added aloe and vitamin E for maximum protection and soothing. Check out their wide range of delightful “flavors” including watermelon, mango, coconut, key-lime, pineapple, pomegranate, and banana. (Just be sure not to lick your lips too often while wearing it!) You’ll also find
tinted options for a pop of color.
If you’re headed to the pool or beach, tuck this balm in your bag. Not only does it boast SPF 30, it’s also water resistant – for up to 80 minutes. The formula features zinc oxide, coconut oil and sunflower oil for optimal protection and hydrating and soothing powers.
Another great option for swimmers and beach-goers, Alba Botanica’s lip balm is water resistant for up to 80 minutes – and it’s reef safe. A premium sun care product, it features all vegetarian ingredients (including cocoa butter, sunflower seed oil and aloe) and it’s free of phthalates, parabens, oxybenzone, artificial fragrances and gluten. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin.
Forget lipstick! This sheer, tinted lip treatment from Babo Botanicals provides color and sun protection. It’s made with 70% organic ingredients and is 100% pure (and hypoallergenic), with no gluten, soy or dairy. Besides the lovely wild rose color, you’ll get the benefit of extra antioxidants from vitamin E and softening effects from shea butter, sunflower oil and calendula.
