A Derm Told Me My Favorite Lip Glosses Were *Attracting* Sun Damage—Here's What You Should Know

As someone who’s truly lipstick-obsessed, it surprises even me when I occasionally leave the house without a swipe of my favorite red matte or a shiny gloss. One of the rare exceptions is the gym. Sure, bare lips make sense when I’m focused on my reps (unless I am trying to serve glam while lifting, which, yes, please), but even then, there’s one non-negotiable I never leave the house without: SPF.

“Most people remember their sunscreen, but forget their lips, and that’s a big miss,” says Shereen Teymour, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. “The skin on your lips is thinner, more delicate, and lacks melanin, which makes it especially vulnerable to UV damage.” Turns out, skipping SPF lip protection isn’t just about risking a little dryness or a flaky pout. Long-term exposure to UV rays can lead to actinic cheilitis—a form of sun damage most commonly found on the lower lip. “It starts subtly: persistent dryness, scaling, and discoloration. But over time, it can progress to precancerous changes and ultimately, to squamous cell carcinoma,” she adds. In addition to these serious medical risks, UV exposure can also lead to the development of fine lines, volume loss, and hyperpigmentation. (I have one tiny dark spot on my lower lip, so I am making an appointment with a derm immediately.)

My holy grail for lip protection right now is the BeautyStat C Lip Serum SPF 30 (in Neutral Peach). It’s basically skincare, sunscreen, and a subtle lip tint all rolled into one sleek little tube. The formula is loaded with pure, stable vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), peptides, and glucosamine, which means it also hydrates, brightens, and plumps my lips while protecting them. Loves it.

Even with my new favorite lip serum, I wondered whether my regular lipsticks could serve as a sort of shield against the sun. Turns out they do, but not 100 percent. “Opaque, pigmented lipsticks can physically block some UV rays, especially darker or matte formulas,” says Teymour. “Think of them as a physical barrier, like clothing for your lips. But they’re not a substitute for actual SPF. They help, but they’re not built for broad-spectrum protection unless specifically labeled.”

As for lip gloss, we’ve got some alarming news! Your favorite clear or shiny lip gloss might be acting like a mini magnifying glass, intensifying UV rays and causing even more damage. “It’s kind of like putting baby oil on your lips,” Teymour explains. “If you love gloss, layer it over a base of SPF lip balm so you get the glow and the protection.”

When it comes to finding the best SPF lip balms, she recommends looking for water-resistant, broad-spectrum formulas with an SPF of 30 or higher for daily use, and to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re eating or drinking. “In reality, if you’re out in the sun for hours and haven’t reapplied since morning, your lips are basically unprotected,” Teymour stresses. “Keep a travel-sized SPF balm in your bag or pocket. It’s an easy step that goes a long way.”

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