Why lips need their own SPF

UV is the single biggest cold sore trigger, and lips are usually left bare.

Lips are exposed

Most people put sunscreen on their face and forget their lips entirely. Lip skin is thin, has little natural pigment, and takes a lot of UV, which is exactly the trigger most linked to cold sore flare ups.

Every day, not just sunny days

UV reaches your lips through cloud and reflects off snow and water, so a protective mineral balm every morning beats an SPF you only reach for at the beach. Reapply every couple of hours outdoors, and after eating, drinking, swimming, or sweating.

Look for a physical blocker

A balm built around zinc oxide sits on the surface and reflects UV, which is the layer Labisan calls the outside protection.