Let’s be honest.
Sometimes it’s difficult to talk about, but every outdoor adventurer has to deal with it sooner or later. You know what I mean—tender erogenous body parts that, when inflamed, can really put a damper on romantic expression in the backcountry. I’m talking about chapped lips. For most outdoor activity a simple swipe of lip protection, preferably with an SPF of 30 or higher offers adequate protection. Most people are aware that UV exposure causes skin cancer, but very few people know that it’s also a major risk factor for lip cancer.

Topping my list of the best lip protection is…a hat. That’s right—a wide-brimmed hat does the best job of blocking harmful rays. But there will always be unusual conditions where a hat doesn’t provide the protection you need. My two worst cases of burned, chapped lips came after extended glacier travel while mountaineering. In both instances, I applied adequate sunscreen on my face, but the glare coming up from the ice and snow did major damage to my lips. Now I apply more frequently and look for products that combine antioxidants with SPF for greater protection and moisturizing benefits. I avoid products heavy in petroleum jelly and oils that intensify the sun’s damaging effects.