Summer in Winslow means bright, sunny days. Most of us remember sunscreen for our face and arms. Our lips? Not so much. The skin on your lips is thin and has very little natural defense against the sun, so it burns, dries out, and cracks easily. Your lips are part of your smile too, so here is how to look after them this season.

Why Lips Need Extra Protection

Unlike most of your skin, your lips do not have oil glands to keep them moist, and they carry less pigment to shield them from ultraviolet light. Add dry high-desert air and long afternoons outdoors, and lips can get chapped and sore in a hurry. Repeated sunburns over the years can also damage the skin on your lips, the same way they can harm skin anywhere else on your body.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Lips

• Use a lip balm with SPF every day, not only at the pool.
• Reapply after eating, drinking, or swimming, since balm wears off fast.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat when you will be outside for a while.
• Try not to lick your lips. It feels like it helps, but the moisture evaporates and leaves them drier.
• Keep water within reach so you are not running on empty in the heat.

Cold Sores and Cracked Corners

If you get cold sores, a lot of sun can set one off. Cold sores come from a common virus and are contagious, so skip sharing cups, forks, and lip balm while one is active. Cracks at the corners of the mouth are another summer complaint. They can come from dryness or lip licking, and sometimes from other causes, like dentures that do not fit well. If a crack keeps coming back or will not heal, have it looked at.

When to Get a Spot Checked

Most lip troubles clear up on their own. A few deserve a closer look. Have your dentist or doctor check a sore or scab on your lip that has not healed in about two weeks, a rough or scaly patch that keeps returning, or a change in the color of your lip. A routine dental exam usually includes a look at your lips, cheeks, and tongue, which is one more good reason to stay current on checkups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lips really get sunburned?

They can. Sunburned lips often feel tight, swollen, or tender, and they may blister. Cool compresses and a gentle, unscented balm can help while they heal.

Is regular lip balm enough?

Plain balm helps with dryness, but it does not block the sun. Look for one labeled with SPF, and put it on again often.

Are cold sores the same as canker sores?

No. Cold sores are blisters caused by a virus, and they tend to pop up on the outside of the mouth and spread easily. Canker sores are small ulcers on the inside, and you cannot catch them from someone else. Both tend to heal on their own, but sores that linger or keep coming back are worth a visit.

Enjoy every sunny Winslow day with a smile that feels as good as it looks. Set up your next checkup at Dental Innovations in Winslow, and bring along any questions about your lips, gums, or teeth.