**Palm Springs: Desert Sun Burning Youth Lipids?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

September 26, 2025

The desert sun doesn’t play favorites. It bakes everyone equally, and that includes your lips. For those of us enjoying the active lifestyle that Palm Springs offers, especially those of us over 50, protecting our lips from sun damage is crucial. It’s not just about avoiding chapped lips; it’s about preventing premature aging and, more importantly, reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Palm Springs presents a unique challenge: intense sun exposure combined with dry air. This combination can quickly dehydrate your lips, making them more vulnerable to UV damage. We need a proactive, multi-faceted approach.

First, let’s talk about the basics: SPF-rated lip balms. Don’t just grab any lip balm off the shelf at CVS or Walgreens. Look for specific ingredients and SPF levels.

• SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable. Anything less simply isn’t sufficient for the intense desert sun.
• Broad-spectrum protection is essential. This means the balm protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Ingredients matter. Look for lip balms containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are mineral sunscreens that provide excellent protection and are generally less irritating than chemical sunscreens. Avoid products with oxybenzone and octinoxate, as they can be harmful to coral reefs and potentially to your health.
• Reapplication is key. Apply lip balm liberally and frequently, especially after sweating or drinking. Aim for every two hours, or even more often if you’re particularly active.

A great option readily available at Palm Springs CVS and Walgreens locations is the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturizer SPF 15. While the SPF is lower than our ideal 30+, it’s a good starting point and readily accessible. Layering it frequently can help. Another option is Aquaphor Lip Repair with SPF 30. This provides better protection and is also widely available.

However, relying solely on lip balm isn’t enough. We need to go beyond surface-level protection and explore advanced biohacking strategies. This is where things get interesting.

Let’s delve into the world of astaxanthin. This powerful antioxidant, found in algae and seafood, has been shown to protect against UV damage from the inside out. It acts like an internal sunscreen, neutralizing free radicals produced by sun exposure.

• Dosage: Aim for 4-12mg of astaxanthin daily.
• Sourcing: You can find astaxanthin supplements at most health food stores or online retailers. Look for reputable brands that use high-quality, sustainably sourced astaxanthin.
• Timing: Take astaxanthin with a meal containing healthy fats to improve absorption.

Consider adding astaxanthin to your daily routine, especially during periods of increased sun exposure. It’s a proactive way to bolster your body’s natural defenses against UV damage.

Next, let’s explore the potential benefits of red light therapy for lip health. Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses low-level red light to stimulate cellular function and promote collagen production.

• How it works: Red light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. This stimulates the production of ATP, the energy currency of cells, leading to improved cellular function and collagen synthesis.
• Benefits for lips: Red light therapy can help improve lip hydration, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production, leading to plumper, healthier lips.
• Application: You can use a handheld red light therapy device or visit a local spa or clinic that offers red light therapy treatments.
• Frequency: Start with 10-15 minutes of red light therapy per day, and gradually increase the duration as tolerated.

A common mistake is using red light therapy devices inconsistently. Consistency is key to seeing results. Another pitfall is using devices with insufficient power output. Make sure the device you choose emits red light at a wavelength of 630-670nm and has sufficient power to penetrate the skin.

For those in Palm Springs, consider checking out local spas that offer red light therapy. A quick search for “red light therapy Palm Springs” will yield several options. Alternatively, you can purchase a handheld device for home use.

Now, let’s address some specific challenges faced by active adults in Palm Springs.

• Challenge: Sweat can wash away lip balm, reducing its effectiveness.
  • Solution: Choose a water-resistant lip balm and reapply frequently, especially after sweating. Consider using a sweatband to prevent sweat from dripping onto your face.
• Challenge: Dry air can exacerbate lip dehydration.
  • Solution: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Use a humidifier at night to add moisture to the air.
• Challenge: Forgetting to apply lip balm.
  • Solution: Keep lip balm readily available in multiple locations: your gym bag, your car, your golf bag, and your home. Set reminders on your phone to reapply throughout the day.

Remember, protecting your lips from sun damage is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. By combining the use of SPF-rated lip balms with advanced biohacking strategies like astaxanthin supplementation and red light therapy, you can significantly reduce your risk of sun damage and maintain healthy, youthful-looking lips for years to come.

Don’t underestimate the power of prevention. A little effort today can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Enjoy the Palm Springs sunshine, but do so responsibly. Your lips will thank you.