It’s a common misconception that skin dryness isn’t a concern you have to worry about in the warmer months. Though the air is naturally more humid as temperatures heat up, there are plenty of other drying factors that come along with summer. Excess sun exposure, air conditioning, salt water, and chlorine are just a handful of the culprits zapping us of essential moisture.
This is especially true for your lips because they don’t have oil glands like the rest of your skin, making them more prone to becoming chapped. To prevent a summer of damaged, shriveled lips, keep these tips in your back pocket (or your purse or beach bag).
1. Use lip balm with SPF
Protecting your lips from damaging sun rays is vital, especially when you’re spending excess time in the sun. To properly do so, thoroughly apply a lip balm with SPF in it when you’re out and about. We love this one from Supergoop because it’s water-resistant.
2. Post-sun lip treatment balm
Beyond sun protection, your lips need instant and long-lasting moisture to remain plump and juicy. Our silky, non-sticky, 2-in-1 Restorative Lip Balm gently buffs away dryness to soften and prep lips for optimal absorption while a blanket of ultra-nourishing ingredients (think buriti oil, açaí oil, tucuma butter, squalane, and hyaluronic acid) help repair and restore.
3. Stay hydrated
Just as dehydration can impact your skin, it can do a number on your lips, too — not to mention your overall health. Resist the temptation to only drink sugary or fruity seasonal beverages and be sure you’re consuming at least 8 cups (or 64 ounces) of water per day. For more active, sun-drenched days, you should up that intake even further.
4. Wear face-covering hats or sit under an umbrella
Since constant sun exposure can wreak havoc on your pout, wearing protective accessories that cover your face and lips can help minimize its negative effects. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or spend most of your time in the sun under an umbrella, tent, or one of those canopy beach chairs.
5. Avoid licking and picking your pout
There’s a natural tendency to want to lick chapped lips to soothe them with temporary moisture. Similarly, when lips are flaky due to dryness, it’s tempting to pick at them. Doing either of these things can, unfortunately, exacerbate the problem, further stripping hydration from the lips or even causing tears that can lead to scabbing and infection.
