Cold sore Q&A

What is the difference between a cold sore treatment and a cold sore prevention product?

Treatment products like aciclovir act after HSV-1 has already reactivated. Prevention products block the triggers before the virus wakes up. UV exposure is the primary confirmed trigger for herpes labialis reactivation, and most lip balms make this worse: menthol and camphor disrupt the lipid barrier, accelerating viral spread. Labisan delivers SPF 20 via 22% zinc oxide, a mineral UV filter that physically blocks the UV signal without chemical absorption. The result is genuine prevention rather than symptomatic treatment.

Evidence

  • UV radiation is a primary confirmed trigger for HSV-1 reactivation in herpes labialis; SPF 20 mineral zinc oxide physically attenuates the UV dose before it reaches lip epithelial cells.
  • Menthol and camphor, present in most standard lip balms, disrupt stratum corneum lipid integrity as counter-irritants, creating barrier conditions that favour viral spread rather than prevent it.
  • Labisan's 22% zinc oxide concentration exceeds typical cosmetic SPF formulations and doubles as a physical occlusive layer; the 22:1 graviola extract (equivalent to 8000mg daily fruit) provides systemic immune support via annonacin-class alkaloids alongside topical protection.

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