With warmer days on the way, everyone’s looking forward to getting outside and enjoying the extra sunshine.

Sunlight is the best way to get that all-too-vital nutrient.

They’re usually left as an afterthought, and sometimes not even that when it comes to sun protection.

woman applying SPF to lips

We shouldn’t forget to protect our lips when heading out for a day in the sun.

They can suffer from the harmful side effects of excessive exposure to UV rays.

Although the lips are often overlooked when applying SPF, they deserve even more attention than other body parts.

Woman applying lip balm

For the best protection of your lips, tryusing a moisturizer with your SPF.

This could put your skin’s health in jeopardy.

Since your lips are sensitive to sun damage, knowing when to reapply for optimal protection is crucial.

Woman holding lip balm

Board-certified dermatologist Diane Madfes, M.D.

listed two core rules toReal Simplefor ensuring your lip’s sun protection lasts throughout the day.

First, if you’re spending time outdoors, you should reapplylip balms with SPFevery two hours.

Secondly, just like lipstick, reapply SPF to your lips after eating.

This rule applies to other parts of your body as well.