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Summer is here! This means you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors soaking up the sun and warmer temperatures. You’ll take precautions to prevent sunburns and dry skin, but what about your lips? The soft tissues are exposed to heat, dry air, and harmful UVB rays every time you step outside. If you aren’t careful, chapped or cracked lips can stop you from smiling or feeling your best. Here’s how to protect your lips during summer.<\/p>\n
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Sun-protecting lip balm helps filter harmful UVB rays from damaging your skin. The American Cancer Society reports that lip balm with SPF 30 filters out about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 15 filters about 93% of harmful rays. Reapply it as needed to keep your lips protected and lessen your risk of lip cancer, which is a form of oral cancer. You don\u2019t have to smoke to be at risk of oral cancer. Over 54,000 people are diagnosed with it every year. Applying a sun-protecting lip balm is a simple way to reduce your risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your lips start to feel dry, don’t lick them! You’ll cause them to dry out even more, which can lead to chapped lips. Dry lips are also a sign that you’re getting dehydrated. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which will keep your lips healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Healthcare professionals recommend drinking eight 8oz glasses of water every day, but you may need to drink more during the summer and when you\u2019re active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your dentist recommends choosing water from the tap because it contains fluoride, which is nature’s cavity fighter. It’s added to many public water systems to strengthen enamel to combat tooth decay. Whenever possible, choose tap water instead of a bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apply a daily moisturizer to your lips to prevent dry skin. Keeping your lips moisturized will prevent them from getting chapped or cracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lips can get sunburned or sore if they are chapped. You can ease painful lips by applying an ice cube or cold compress to them. Avoid using petroleum jelly. Instead, apply aloe vera to help them heal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You won’t think twice before smiling or opening your mouth wide by giving your lips a little attention during the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About Dr. Hiren Patel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Patel<\/a> achieved his dental degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has completed over 500 hours of continuing education. He provides the most up-to-date dental solutions, including dental implants. He is a proud member of several professional organizations, like the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. Request an appointment<\/a> through our website or call (210) 972-9736.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Summer is here! This means you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors soaking up the sun and warmer temperatures. You’ll take precautions to prevent sunburns and dry skin, but what about your lips? The soft tissues are exposed to heat, dry air, and harmful UVB rays every time you step outside. If you aren’t […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-50","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n