Sunburned lips are real and it hurts a lot!
Lips are not exempt from sun damage thus protecting them when getting out in the sun is important to keep those precious lips healthy and attractive.
When you go outside, you probably know to put sunscreen on your face and body, but you might not know that your lips also need protection.
When you get too much sun, your lips can swell and become sore, making it hard to eat or drink.
Sunburns and persistent UV damage, both of which can be painful and raise your risk of getting skin cancer, are more likely to occur on your lips because of their exposure to the sun.
How do I know if my lips are already sunburnt?
Healthline.com lists what to watch out for as signs on having sunburned lips.
Some of the signs of burnt lips are as follows:
- swelling lips
- redder lips than normal
- blisters that are painful
- chapping lips
How should you treat sunburned lips?
A cold compress could help ease some of the swelling and the heat that is coming from your lips in situations when the condition is just mild. You may decide to take one of them in combination to an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory drug.
Steer clear of any lip creams that include petrolatum, such as Vaseline, since this can actually cause the sunburn and associated uncomfortable sensations to last for a longer period of time. Instead, try applying some aloe vera gel (preferably cold), since this will help to calm the inflammation.
How to prevent sunburned lips?
Limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun is the simplest strategy to avoid getting sunburned lips. It is best to stay indoors between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun’s UV rays are at their most potent.
Use a lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 if you are going to be exposed to the sun; dermatologists recommend using a product with an SPF of 50 or higher. Options available without a prescription can be purchased over-the-counter at most pharmacies.
Put on caps or hats that can shield your face from the sun’s rays in case you get caught out in the open.
Due to the fact that we use our lips for speaking and eating, which might cause sunscreen to wear off more rapidly, it is possible that you will need to reapply lip balm several times during the day in order to get the desired level of protection.
Read More:
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How To Soften Your Lips– Do Lip Balms Really Work?
Homemade DIY Caffeinated Lip Balm