US medical experts are warning that wearing lip gloss could put women at risk of cancer.

Dr. Christine Brown, a dermatologist at Baylor University Medical Centre in Dallas, Texas, claims that the shiny nature of lip gloss attracts the sun and allows UV rays to penetrate straight through the skin. At worst, this sun damage could result in skin cancer of the lip.

"Your lips are basically sizzling under the sun," explained cosmetic surgeon Simon Ourian on Channel 7 News.

Watch the report on Channel 7

But there's no need to throw out your favourite tube of shine just yet – simply apply a layer of sun protection to your lips before you step outside!

Photo: Eric Hood/iStockphoto.com

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