I’d packed everything. SPF 50 for my face, aloe for my legs, a wide-brimmed hat, and big sunglasses for my trip to Martha’s Vineyard. You could say that I went all out to make sure that sunburn wasn’t going to ruin a break I’d been looking forward to for months. However, the one thing I did forget – lip sunscreen – is something I’ll never ever forget again.
When I arrived, there was gorgeous weather, and not a cloud in the sky. I was careful with my face, reapplying sunscreen religiously, wearing my hat when I remembered. But by the end of the second day, my lips felt… off. Dry, tight, a bit tender.
I assumed it was just from the heat, but by the next morning, I woke up and my lips were swollen, cracked, and, I kid you not, throbbing. It hurt to smile. It hurt to eat. It hurt to talk. And it completely hijacked the rest of my trip.
Why Skipping Lip Sunscreen Ruined My Week
I’d never had sunburned lips before, so I wasn’t prepared for how intense it would be. The dryness turned into full-on peeling, and I had this weird red outline around my mouth that made me look like a badly drawn cartoon. The worst part? Regular lip balm did nothing. It just made them sting more.
I ended up buying a medicated SPF lip balm halfway through the trip, but by then, the damage was already done. And every photo from the second half of that holiday? I’m doing that closed-mouth, “don’t touch me” expression you make when even the wind hurts.
I genuinely had no idea how much your lips can suffer in the sun, and it’s an experience that taught me to put lip sunscreen high on my list for my next trip.
What I’ll Do Differently Next Time
I now own 3 SPF lip balms and keep one in every bag I carry. I go for mineral SPF (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), preferably fragrance-free, and always broad-spectrum. I look for at least SPF 15, as anything less feels pointless after what I went through.
Turns out, it’s not just beach days you need to worry about. Windy hikes, cold mornings, even just being outdoors too long, your lips still take the hit. What’s more, it takes literally two seconds and saves you from days of pain, swelling, and regret.
Trust me – Don’t Forget Your Lip Sunscreen
If you’re going anywhere sunny, even just for a long weekend, my tip is to pack some SPF lip balm in your suitcase or travel bag if you’re going away – even if it’s not somewhere particularly hot. I’ve done a pretty bad job in this blog of explaining exactly how uncomfortable my lips were that day, but suffice to say, it’s something I will never do again.
You’ll never think it matters until the day it really does. And once you’ve had sunburned lips, you’ll join the rest of us who preach about it like it’s a public service announcement. Learn from my mistake and don’t let something so small ruin something so special.
