When people think about protecting their skin from the sun, they usually remember sunscreen for their face, shoulders, and arms. Unfortunately, one area is frequently forgotten, the lips.

The lips have some of the thinnest, most delicate skin on the body and receive significant ultraviolet (UV) exposure throughout the year. Without proper protection, repeated sun damage can lead to premature aging, painful sunburns, and even skin cancer of the lips.

For residents of Henderson, Las Vegas, and Southern Nevada, where sunshine is abundant year-round, protecting your lips should be part of your daily oral health routine.

Why Are the Lips So Vulnerable?

Unlike most skin, the lips contain very little melanin. The pigment that helps protect against ultraviolet radiation.

The lips also:

• Have a thinner outer layer of skin
• Dry out easily
• Receive direct sun exposure
• Heal more slowly after repeated sun damage

Over time, cumulative UV exposure increases the risk of precancerous and cancerous changes.

Dr. Perrone’s Perspective

“Many people faithfully apply sunscreen to their face but forget their lips. During every comprehensive dental examination, we carefully evaluate the lips and surrounding tissues because early detection can make a tremendous difference.”

— Marielaina Perrone, DDS

Living in Southern Nevada Increases Sun Exposure

The Las Vegas Valley presents several unique challenges.

Residents experience:

• More than 300 sunny days each year
• High UV index levels
• Dry desert air
• Increased UV exposure due to elevation
• Outdoor recreation year-round

These factors combine to increase cumulative sun exposure, making lip protection especially important.

Types of Skin Cancer That Can Affect the Lips

Several forms of skin cancer may develop on the lips.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common lip cancer, particularly on the lower lip.

Warning signs may include:

• A sore that doesn’t heal
• Persistent crusting
• Thickened skin
• Bleeding
• Painful ulceration

Fortunately, early diagnosis often results in excellent treatment outcomes.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)

Basal cell carcinoma is less common on the lips but may appear as:

• Pearly bump
• Pink lesion
• Small sore that repeatedly heals and returns
• Visible blood vessels

Melanoma

Although rare, melanoma may occur on the lips.

Watch for:

• Dark brown or black spots
• Rapid changes in color
• Irregular borders
• Bleeding or ulceration

Melanoma requires immediate medical evaluation.

Early Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

Contact your dentist or dermatologist if you notice:

• A sore lasting longer than two weeks
• Persistent lip cracking
• Bleeding without injury
• Thickened white or red patches
• Changes in color
• Lumps or swelling
• Pain that does not improve

Early diagnosis dramatically improves treatment success.

What Is Actinic Cheilitis?

One of the earliest warning signs of chronic sun damage is actinic cheilitis.

This precancerous condition commonly appears as:

• Persistent dryness
• Rough texture
• White patches
• Scaling
• Cracked lips
• Blurred border between the lip and surrounding skin

Without treatment, actinic cheilitis may progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

Choosing the Right Lip Balm

Not all lip balms provide sun protection.

Look for products that offer:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
• UVA and UVB protection
• Water resistance
• Moisturizing ingredients

Helpful ingredients include:

• Shea butter
• Beeswax
• Coconut oil
• Vitamin E
• Lanolin

How to Apply SPF Lip Balm Correctly

For maximum protection:

• Apply before going outdoors.
• Reapply every two hours.
• Reapply after eating.
• Reapply after drinking.
• Reapply after swimming or heavy perspiration.

Remember that SPF lip balm works only when it’s actually on your lips.

Additional Ways to Protect Your Lips

Simple habits can further reduce sun damage.

Consider:

• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat
• Seeking shade during peak afternoon sun
• Staying well hydrated
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Avoiding frequent lip licking
• Wearing UV-protective clothing during prolonged outdoor activities

These habits protect both your lips and your overall skin health.

Your Dentist Plays an Important Role

Many patients are surprised to learn that dentists routinely examine the lips during comprehensive dental examinations.

At every preventive visit, Dr. Perrone carefully evaluates:

• Lips
• Tongue
• Cheeks
• Floor of the mouth
• Soft palate
• Oral tissues

These examinations help identify abnormalities that patients may not notice themselves.

If something appears suspicious, referral to an oral surgeon or dermatologist may be recommended for further evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lip cancer common?

Lip cancer is relatively uncommon but occurs most often as squamous cell carcinoma, particularly on the lower lip.

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Can SPF lip balm prevent lip cancer?

Regular use of broad-spectrum SPF lip balm helps reduce UV exposure, one of the major risk factors for lip cancer.

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Do I need lip sunscreen during winter?

Yes. UV radiation is present year-round, even on cloudy days.

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How often should SPF lip balm be reapplied?

Every two hours outdoors and after eating, drinking, or swimming.

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Can dentists detect lip cancer?

Dentists are trained to recognize many early signs of oral cancer and lip abnormalities during routine examinations.

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Healthy Lips Are Part of a Healthy Smile

Protecting your lips is about far more than preventing dryness or sunburn.

Daily sun protection may reduce your risk of precancerous changes, preserve healthy tissue, and help prevent lip cancer. In sunny climates like Henderson and Las Vegas, applying SPF lip balm should become as routine as brushing your teeth.

If you’ve noticed persistent lip sores, discoloration, or changes that don’t heal, schedule an examination with Marielaina Perrone, DDS. Early detection remains one of the most effective tools for protecting your oral and overall health.

About the Author

Marielaina Perrone, DDS is an award-winning cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentist serving Henderson, Green Valley, Anthem, Seven Hills, Inspirada, Las Vegas, and surrounding Southern Nevada communities. A graduate of Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, she has practiced dentistry since 1999 and emphasizes comprehensive preventive care, oral cancer screenings, cosmetic dentistry, and lifelong oral health education.

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Medically Reviewed By

Marielaina Perrone, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dentist – Henderson, Nevada

Dr. Perrone regularly completes advanced continuing education in oral cancer screening, preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral pathology, and evidence-based patient care. All educational content is clinically reviewed to reflect current research and accepted standards of dental practice.

Updated: July 2026