Ask a doctor: Do we need SPF for our lips?
Just when you think you know everything about skincare, think again. The case for regular sunscreen application has long been established—but a recent tendency to SPF inclusion in lip products has us thinking: what do we actually know about sunscreen for the lips?
It's easy to overlook, especially when most of our sunscreen talk is concerned with keeping the skin protected against the sun—with little to no discussion about how our lips fare against UV rays. A dangerous mindset to adopt, and one we all need to rethink. In the words of our trusted expert Dr Rachel Ho of La Clinic, our lips are 'significantly more susceptible to UV damage compared to the skin of the rest of the face'. If that's the case, then clearly our pouts are being sorely under SPF-ed.
According to Dr Ho, the potential damage could range from an increased appearance of fine lines to unseemly redness or chapped lips—symptoms which many of us are already prone to. So we put our investigative hats on and got to asking the expert for the full lowdown. Here's what to know about protecting our lips against sun damage, and Dr Ho's personal top shelf recommendations for SPF products dedicated to lip care. Are our lips more susceptible to UV damage? Why?
Yes, our lips are significantly more susceptible to UV damage compared to the skin of the rest of the face. This is because the lips's stratum corneum is thinner. The stratum corneum is a part of the skin barrier that protects against external insults including UV rays. Our lips also have fewer cells that produce melanin, a pigment which has protective effects against UV rays. How can sun damage manifest in our lips? Sunburns: swelling, redness, blisters, peeling etc.
Dryness: chapping, irritation etc.
Premature signs of ageing: dark spots, increased wrinkling, lip thinning etc.
Increased risk of skin cancer
Actinic chelitis: precancerous condition characterised by dryness, fissures, pain, loss of lip margins So in that regard, would there be certain ingredients to look for for in our lip products?
UV filters with broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays e.g. zinc oxide, Uvinul T 150, Avobenzone. Usually, lip balms contain a combination of UV filters to achieve broad spectrum ingredients.
Hydrating ingredients are also essential, as they help with retaining moisture in the lips. They also allow an even film of UV filters to form on the lips. Examples include humectants that lock in moisture (e.g. hyaluronic acid), emollients like shea butter that soften the lips, and occlusives such as petrolatum to reduce water loss from the surface.
Antioxidants like vitamin E are useful to help reduce oxidative damage from UV rays and environmental pollutants. There's a case against mixing SPF for skin into make-up products. Would the same argument apply for lip products?
Yes, similarly, I would not recommend mixing lip SPF with make-up or other lip products. Mixing them would disrupt the lip sunscreen's ability to form an even film on the lips to provide sun protection, leading to inconsistent protection. Theoretically, mixing might also dilute and reduce the lip sunscreen's protective SPF and PA effects. Furthermore, interactions between the different formulas could destabilise UV filters in the lip sunscreen. I would strongly recommend layering the lip sunscreen on top of the lip product once the latter has dried; or to use lip SPF with tints. Dr Ho's personal recommendations: Courtesy of Escentials
1 / 3 Three Lip Conscious Protector SPF35, $40
' It leaves a lightweight, barely-there feel. It's great as a standalone product or for layering with lip tints or your trusty lipstick.'
Available at Escentials. Courtesy of Shiseido
2 / 3 Shiseido Sun Care UV Lip Colour Splash, $40
'It's a coloured lip gel that I always stock up on when I'm in Japan.'
Available at Shopee. Courtesy of Rilastil
3 / 3 Rilastil Sun System Transparent Stick SPF50+, $13
'This is in my current rotation. I just got it from Milan last month, and it's so moisturising on its own. There's no colour to it, so it's great for layering with other lip products.'
Available at Care To Beauty.
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CNA
26-05-2025
- CNA
Skincare-infused sunscreens that fight UV damage and boost skin health – can they really do it all?
When it comes to sunscreens, our demands are pretty high. It has to be lightweight (no one wants to deal with a tacky finish especially in Singapore's heat and humidity), leave no white cast (an ashy-grey hue is a big no), and have high SPF protection (Singapore sits near the equator where UV intensity is at its strongest). But these days, sunscreens are promising even more than just efficient UV protection. These are often packed with skincare ingredients that claim to help improve skin health and enhance skin repair, too. According to Dr Rachel Ho, an aesthetic doctor at La Clinic, evidence for sunscreen's role in preventing or delaying signs of ageing, such as hyperpigmentation and fine lines, is well established. Dr Angeline Yong, a dermatologist and medical director at Angeline Yong Dermatology, added: 'While sunscreen itself does not actively rejuvenate the skin in the way treatments like retinoids or lasers do, its role in preventing further damage is foundational for skin repair.' Think of the use of sunscreen as playing a 'supportive role for skin barrier functions and physiological repair mechanisms and any ongoing treatments to reduce signs of ageing', said Dr Ho. In short, regular sunscreen application is crucial as it not only prevents further skin damage but also allows skin to recover and maintain its health, which promotes a more youthful appearance over time, emphasised Dr Yong. These sunscreens can be also seen as multi-tasking products that can offer additional benefits because of the ingredients in them. 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'If you would like to replace your skincare steps with a new-gen sunscreen, it's important to remember that while sunscreens with added skincare ingredients – like antioxidants like Vitamin E, niacinamide or reparative peptides – can support skin health, there are still limitations so you should manage your expectations,' said Dr Yong. The extent of benefits is variable and formula-dependent, as sunscreens with niacinamide listed at the bottom of its ingredient list are not the same as niacinamide serums that contain 5 per cent of the key active ingredient, added Dr Ho. This is because the benefits of these actives are secondary to the primary goal of UV blocking, explained Dr Yong. Thus, 'while some sunscreens may offer hydration or brightening properties, they shouldn't replace dedicated treatments for specific concerns'. Instead, assess your skin's needs and specific concerns to determine whether you can simplify your routine or if additional products are necessary for optimal skin health. SKIP YOUR SERUM OR MOISTURISER If your sunscreen is highly moisturising and you have normal, combination or oily skin. If your skin concerns are mild – a sunscreen with niacinamide and Vitamin E may replace a serum step as it can offer light hydration and a slight brightening effect, which is sufficient for general skin health maintenance. DON'T SKIP YOUR SERUM OR MOISTURISER If you have dry or dehydrated skin as most sunscreens don't provide enough long-term moisture. If you have specific skin issues like acne, hyperpigmentation or signs of ageing. This is because skincare actives in sunscreens are usually at lower concentrations and using a dedicated serum may be more effective. If your sunscreen delivers a matte finish because oil-free mattifying sunscreens can be drying. 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Vogue Singapore
23-05-2025
- Vogue Singapore
Ask a doctor: Do we need SPF for our lips?
Just when you think you know everything about skincare, think again. The case for regular sunscreen application has long been established—but a recent tendency to SPF inclusion in lip products has us thinking: what do we actually know about sunscreen for the lips? It's easy to overlook, especially when most of our sunscreen talk is concerned with keeping the skin protected against the sun—with little to no discussion about how our lips fare against UV rays. A dangerous mindset to adopt, and one we all need to rethink. In the words of our trusted expert Dr Rachel Ho of La Clinic, our lips are 'significantly more susceptible to UV damage compared to the skin of the rest of the face'. If that's the case, then clearly our pouts are being sorely under SPF-ed. According to Dr Ho, the potential damage could range from an increased appearance of fine lines to unseemly redness or chapped lips—symptoms which many of us are already prone to. So we put our investigative hats on and got to asking the expert for the full lowdown. Here's what to know about protecting our lips against sun damage, and Dr Ho's personal top shelf recommendations for SPF products dedicated to lip care. Are our lips more susceptible to UV damage? Why? Yes, our lips are significantly more susceptible to UV damage compared to the skin of the rest of the face. This is because the lips's stratum corneum is thinner. The stratum corneum is a part of the skin barrier that protects against external insults including UV rays. Our lips also have fewer cells that produce melanin, a pigment which has protective effects against UV rays. How can sun damage manifest in our lips? Sunburns: swelling, redness, blisters, peeling etc. Dryness: chapping, irritation etc. Premature signs of ageing: dark spots, increased wrinkling, lip thinning etc. Increased risk of skin cancer Actinic chelitis: precancerous condition characterised by dryness, fissures, pain, loss of lip margins So in that regard, would there be certain ingredients to look for for in our lip products? UV filters with broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays e.g. zinc oxide, Uvinul T 150, Avobenzone. Usually, lip balms contain a combination of UV filters to achieve broad spectrum ingredients. Hydrating ingredients are also essential, as they help with retaining moisture in the lips. They also allow an even film of UV filters to form on the lips. Examples include humectants that lock in moisture (e.g. hyaluronic acid), emollients like shea butter that soften the lips, and occlusives such as petrolatum to reduce water loss from the surface. Antioxidants like vitamin E are useful to help reduce oxidative damage from UV rays and environmental pollutants. There's a case against mixing SPF for skin into make-up products. Would the same argument apply for lip products? Yes, similarly, I would not recommend mixing lip SPF with make-up or other lip products. Mixing them would disrupt the lip sunscreen's ability to form an even film on the lips to provide sun protection, leading to inconsistent protection. Theoretically, mixing might also dilute and reduce the lip sunscreen's protective SPF and PA effects. Furthermore, interactions between the different formulas could destabilise UV filters in the lip sunscreen. I would strongly recommend layering the lip sunscreen on top of the lip product once the latter has dried; or to use lip SPF with tints. Dr Ho's personal recommendations: Courtesy of Escentials 1 / 3 Three Lip Conscious Protector SPF35, $40 ' It leaves a lightweight, barely-there feel. It's great as a standalone product or for layering with lip tints or your trusty lipstick.' Available at Escentials. Courtesy of Shiseido 2 / 3 Shiseido Sun Care UV Lip Colour Splash, $40 'It's a coloured lip gel that I always stock up on when I'm in Japan.' Available at Shopee. Courtesy of Rilastil 3 / 3 Rilastil Sun System Transparent Stick SPF50+, $13 'This is in my current rotation. I just got it from Milan last month, and it's so moisturising on its own. There's no colour to it, so it's great for layering with other lip products.' Available at Care To Beauty.
Vogue Singapore
29-04-2025
- Vogue Singapore
Aesthetic treatment around the eyes—here's what you should know
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Though she is now seeking compensation, the damage left by what Jeong thought was 'a very harmless skin booster' will endure. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr. Muneeb Shah (@doctorly) Aesthetic treatments are only becoming more popular, including those performed on the delicate eye area and treatments involving overseas travel. Vogue Singapore reached out to Dr Stephanie Ho, consultant dermatologist at Stephanie Ho Dermatology, for her advice on the risks and precautions to keep in mind when seeking these treatments. The eyes have it 'Aesthetic treatments to rejuvenate the thin skin area around eyes are commonly performed, as these areas often show signs of ageing earlier,' Ho explains. Such signs include eyelid laxity, fine lines, or a 'hollowing' appearance due to reduced fat and elasticity in the area. Ho offers a rundown of the most common eye area treatments, including their potential side effects and precautions to take: Botox What does it target? The appearance of crow's feet and frown lines, and promoting a brow lift effect. Potential side effects Bruising, ptosis (upper eyelid drooping), dry eyes, heaviness of the brows or eyes, and headaches. How can I minimise the risks? 'Go to a trained and experienced injector who administers such procedures regularly,' says Ho. 'Avoid blood thinning medications before treatment, and avoid pressure applied to the face and strenuous exercise in the first 24 hours after treatment.' Fillers What does it target? Volume loss under the eyes and dark circles. Potential side effects Bruising, bumps and lumpiness, the Tyndall effect (a blue tinge under the skin) and vascular occlusion (though rare, this can lead to blindness). How can I minimise the risks? Again, Ho stresses the importance of seeing a trained, experienced injector. 'Their use of a blunt cannula is generally safer than when sharp needles are used,' Ho advises, while cautioning against fillers to high-risk areas such as the nose area, glabella and forehead. Ho also recommends avoiding permanent fillers: 'When dissolvable fillers are used, their effects can be reversed using hyaluronidase.' If you experience side effects including pain, blanching, a mottled skin appearance or changes to your vision, seek medical help immediately. Laser or micro needling treatments What does it target? Improving skin texture, pigmentation, the appearance of wrinkles, and skin tightening. Potential side effects Redness, swelling, crusting, infection, hyper- or hypopigmentation, scarring, burns or—in rare cases—eye injury. How can I minimise the risks? You guessed it—as always, your choice of injector is key 'to ensure appropriate parameters and adequate intervals between treatments. Avoid excessive treatments with intervals that are too short—this can impair the skin barrier and cause sensitivity or side effects.' Sun exposure should be avoided before or after treatment, while it's of course essential to follow the pre- and post-care instructions given. 'Avoid inexperienced clinicians or unlicensed individuals who offer cheap prices, promise unrealistic results and use pressurising sales tactics,' says Ho of selecting the professional you work with. The skin around the eye area is thin and delicate, making it a part of the face that is commonly targeted when seeking aesthetic treatments. However, precautions should be taken. Frank Flores What conversations should I be having? 'An experienced and ethical clinician will be open and forthcoming about pre- and post-care, set realistic expectations, and address any safety concerns,' says Ho. 'They will be happy to answer any questions during the consultation and will not be pressurising, giving patients plenty of time to consider whether or not to proceed with treatment.' Points that an experienced clinician will cover with their patients include: What concern/s is the patient hoping to address? Realistic expectations about results. Any underlying medical conditions, as well as side effects the patient may have previously experienced with aesthetic treatments. Current medications such as blood thinners or retinoids. Potential risks, complications and side effects will be discussed. The clinician should provide a breakdown of common risks, as well as rare but serious side effects (for example, vascular occlusion that may lead to blindness.) Patients should feel free to ask questions, express any concerns, and have open and detailed discussions without being rushed or pressured. Ho recommends making sure the following questions are addressed: Who will be performing the procedure? How many times have they performed the treatment? Ask to see 'before' and 'after' photos if available. What are the common side effects? Have serious side effects ever occurred? How were they managed? How long is the treatment and what are the immediate side effects? What is the downtime and what kind of recovery is expected? Who should I contact if side effects occur, including out of hours? What side effects are normal? Of course, with any aesthetic treatment, experiencing side effects is likely—it's most important to know what's to be expected, and therefore what isn't. 'For injectables such as Botox or fillers, normal side effects include mild swelling, tenderness or bruising at injection sites, and slight asymmetry or lumpiness early on as the filler settles in—especially for thinner-skinned areas such as under the eyes,' Ho shares. Most side effects will resolve within one to two weeks. Meanwhile, normal side effects of lasers and micro needling include redness, peeling or crusting, skin sensitivity, and pinkness of the skin. Similarly, most of these side effects should recede within a one- to two-week timeframe. Having an established idea of what side effects to expect before undergoing your treatment will help to provide ease of mind should you notice them, while making it easier to note what is out of the ordinary and therefore requires attention. Ho advises medical attention should be sought for side effects including: Severe or worsening pain in a localised area Sudden vision changes, including double vision or problems with eye movement Blanching (whitening) or unusual discolouration of skin, such as a mottled appearance Progressive redness, pain, warmth or pustules Fever or chills Numbness or muscle weakness that does not improve Worsening symptoms 'An experienced clinic will often provide their patients with a leaflet detailing the potential side effects of their specific treatment,' reiterates Ho. 'There will also be contact information for during and after office hours, while the clinic may contact their patients within 24 hours of the treatment to ensure there are no concerns. A patient shouldn't hesitate to contact their clinic for reassurance if they have worries about anything at all.' Above all, as Ho's advice reflects, 'going to a trained and experienced specialist is the best way of minimising the risk of potential side effects.' Aesthetic treatments are becoming increasingly commonplace, and their benefits should outweigh the risks. While placing faith in a professional, keep yourself as informed as possible, and follow your instincts should something feel off. You may be the patient—but an ideal procedure will be in collaboration with you.
