Why I reformulated around SPF, not just moisture
Founder here. The lips have a thin stratum corneum and almost no melanin, so UV is one of the most reproducible cold sore triggers there is. That is the whole reason Labisan Protective is an SPF balm and not just a moisturiser. Curious how many of you noticed your flares track with sun exposure. Educational, not medical advice. Graviola is a supplement for general wellness, not a treatment for HSV.
For me the tingle gives me a few hours of warning at most.
Sleep makes a huge difference for me, more than I expected.
Reflected sun is sneaky, it got me on holiday last year.
Honestly this clicked for me, I spent years slathering on balm and still got flare ups after every ski weekend until someone pointed out it was the sun on my lips, not the dryness, doing the damage.
Tracking mine was eye opening, the patterns really show up.
Welcome, and do not feel low, it is so common and manageable.