Lip Balm

[Johnny10000]

During RAGBRAI 2019, despite all of my preparation, the one thing I failed to remember was to bring lip balm/sunscreen and I paid for that mistake big time.  Come the end of Day 6 my bottom lip was a pretty much a giant blister and wow, it stung so much.  Not only were the last days on the bike not pleasant because of that, but it seemed like it took two weeks to heal. Not fun!   

I’ve been much more vigilant on trips since then now using Aquaphor lip protectant and sunscreen with an SPF of 30. 

Does anyone have a go-to lip balm that has proven effective in avoiding sun burned lips on tour?

John

[John Nettles]

Being immunosuppressed due to a transplant, I blister almost every tour I don't use lip sunscreen.  I have found aquafour and Natural Ice https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Natural+Ice to work well.  Interestingly, if I blister, I have found out I heal much quicker if I do not use lip balm afterwards than if I use it.  I don't know why it is that way but for me it is like 3 times longer to heal if I use the lip balm. 

Tailwinds, John

[canalligators]

Unless you are especially sensitive, almost any balm with an SPF rating should do. 

[Pat Lamb]

Chapstick has SPF 15, IIRC.  I've been using up some freebie (benefits fairs) and various "destination" sticks for years, and they have similar SPF.  With those, I can usually apply some in the morning, or maybe after a midmorning snack/"nature" break, and after lunch, and that will keep me from blistering.

Beware of "all natural" lip balms, though.  Those I've looked at did NOT have anything for sun.