Got shiny lips? Might get skin cancer!

William Atkins
Monday, 28 April 2008 18:44

Science - Health

A Baylor University study in the United States has shown that shiny lip balms and lip glosses does not protect oneself from ultraviolet sunlight and, thus, may increase the risk of skin cancer. See what the doctor says to do!


According to U.S. dermatologist Christine White, of the Baylor University Medical Center (Dallas, Texas), shiny lip balms and lip glosses may increase a person’s risk of getting skin cancer.

Her study has shown that when people use these shiny lip balms and glosses, ultraviolet sunlight penetrates through the glossy finishes and into the lips themselves.

Ultraviolet sunlight (or UV radiation) is a type of electromagnetic (EM) radiation that is often associated with the pain and reddening of the skin from sunburns caused by sunlight.

White suggests that to protect oneself from the increased risk from skin cancer when using shiny lip balms and lip glosses, apply a layer of lip sun block that contains at least a SPF 30 (sun protection factor-30) under the balms and glosses.

She suggests, especially, that women should apply the sun block layer under any lipsticks or lip glosses in the morning, and then reapply the sun block at various points throughout the day.

White acknowledges that only about one-fourth of all Americans using some form lip protection against the damaging rays of the Sun.

However, she also notes that the lips are very susceptible to skin cancers because they are exposed to the Sun more frequently than other parts of the body.

White stated, "When skin cancer occurs on the lower lip, it has the potential to be much more aggressive and metastasize to surrounding lymph nodes.” [FoxNews: “Doctor: Shiny Lip Balms May Increase Risk of Skin Cancer”]

Brown also said, "What most people don't realize is they're actually increasing light penetration through the lip surface by applying something clear and shiny to them.” [FoxNews]

Sounds like good advice and not just “lip service.”