As the summer sun comes out to play, so does the familiar scent of sunscreen. And while many of us remember to take advantage of sunblock on our faces and bodies, we often forget to protect one extremely delicate area—our lips.
If you’ve never had the displeasure of experiencing sunburned lips firsthand, you may wonder, can your lips get sunburned?
Without sunscreen (and with a little too much sun), your lips are at risk of falling victim to the sun’s penetrating UV rays, just like any other part of your body. Fortunately, with a little TLC and the right skincare products, you can manage any discomfort sunburned lips throw your way.
In this guide, we’re discussing how to treat sunburned lips so you can get back to enjoying your summer.
Can Your Lips Get Sunburned?
In a word, yes.
Your lips are susceptible to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays simply because they come into contact with sunlight just as often as your arms and legs—and sometimes, even more so. In fact, during other months when you’re wrapped in leggings and cozy knit sweaters, your face and lips still encounter more sun than any other body part, making them even more vulnerable.
In addition, lips don’t have much melanin, a pigment in your skin that acts as a physical barrier against UV rays. Because lips experience so much unobstructed time in the sun and find themselves without any natural defenses to combat the sun’s damaging effects, they’re just as likely to succumb to skin cancer as other areas of skin. In fact, lip cancer is one of the most common cancers in the head and neck area.
It’s all the more reason to protect yourself against the sun. You can do so by incorporating a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. And whether you’re spending the day at a family barbecue or sipping sangria at a trendy beach bar, plan to bring your SPF lip balm with you. Sunscreen loses its effectiveness the longer you’re in the sun, so if you’re wondering how often you should reapply sunscreen, reapplying it every two hours should keep your lips thoroughly coated.
Signs of Sunburned Lips
Here are some signs to look for to help you determine if a sunburn is the cause of any lip-related discomfort you experience after spending time in the sun:
- Reddening
- Tenderness to the touch
- Swelling
- Blister (in severe cases)
Symptoms often take up to 24 hours to make an appearance and can last between three to five days.
How to Treat Sunburned Lips
If you find yourself with an unfortunate case of sunburned lips, don’t worry. There are remedies you can incorporate into your routine to help calm any redness and discomfort you’re experiencing.
Below are some of the simplest and most soothing treatments you can weave into your daily skincare routine until your lips finish healing.
Take Pain Relievers
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate the pain from sunburn, and as the name would suggest, act as an anti-inflammatory. As soon as you notice the first hint of pain, take the recommended dosage to provide relief for swollen lips.
Apply a Cold Compress
If you’d rather keep your remedies au natural, a cold compress can help reduce inflammation and give you a reprieve from sunburn-related pain. To apply a cold compress, follow these simple steps:
- Step 1 – Gather a clean washcloth and a bowl of ice water.
- Step 2 – Place the washcloth in the bowl.
- Step 3 – Ring out all excess water.
- Step 4 – Apply it to your lips and repeat the process as needed.
You can also apply a moisturizing lip treatment after using the cold compress for even more relief and healing. Gently rub it onto your lips while they’re still wet to help lock in the water and give your lips the hydration they crave.
Use Topical Applications
Topical treatments can also help to alleviate any physical irritations associated with sunburned lips. While you’re dealing with your sunburn, put these helpful lip remedies at the top of your self-care list:
- Aloe vera – Societies have been using this medicinal plant since 1500 BC for its hydrating and potential wound-healing properties. Aloe can increase the amount of collagen you’re producing, which may help your lips heal more quickly. If you opt for this topical, make sure you’re using a gel that’s 100% aloe. That way, if you accidentally lick your lips and ingest any, you’ll steer clear of swallowing any harmful ingredients.
- Vitamin C and E – Vitamins C and E carry antioxidant properties that fight against free radicals, like the sun’s harmful UV rays. You can also use them as added moisturizers to keep your dry lips hydrated as they heal. Our LIPS&CUTES™ treatment contains both vitamins to provide instant hydration, along with raspberry seed oil, which acts as a natural UV radiation defense, and collagen-promoting peptides to keep lips plump and juicy. Plus, because our non-comedogenic treatment uses ingredients that won’t clog your pores, it’s ideal for all skin types.
Be Mindful of Blisters
Sunburn blisters are rare, but they do occur. Bandaging that area of your face can be challenging, so if you notice lip blisters, try not to touch, pick, or pop any of them. If they become open wounds, they’re at greater risk of becoming infected.
If a blister does pop, however, it’s okay. Trim the dead skin with a clean pair of scissors, disinfect the area with mild soapy water, and apply an antibiotic ointment to lessen the chance of infection.
Fortunately, there are other tips and tricks you can take advantage of during your healing process that’ll further promote a speedy recovery, including:
- Staying hydrated – Sunburns can cause you to become dehydrated, so drink plenty of water and beverages with added electrolytes to help replenish your fluids while you’re healing.
- Using a cold compress soaked in skim milk – Upon first glance, it might not be your go-to treatment. But if you have severely sunburned lips, consider replacing your cold water compress with a skim milk compress. The proteins in the milk act as a film over your burned skin, which may protect any exposed nerve endings and help you avoid further pain.
- Avoiding the sun – While you don’t need to stay away from fresh air forever, try to remain in the shade until your lips have fully healed. The UV index is the highest (and most dangerous) during midday. If you do need to go outside during this time, opt for a hat that shields your skin from the sun.
When to Call the Doctor About Your Sunburned Lips
Thankfully, most cases of sunburned lips resolve themselves within a week. But if you feel like something’s amiss or that your lips aren’t healing properly, it never hurts to seek a second opinion. Contact your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Rapid heart rate
- Excessive thirst
- Little urine output
- Clammy skin
- Nausea
- Fever and chills
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Blisters that don’t heal
Choosing the Right Products With SPF
You can avoid future sunburns on your body and your lips by taking proactive steps and stocking your shelves with the right skincare products. Not only will you avoid the awkward tan lines and itchy skin associated with sunburns, but you’ll decrease your chances of becoming part of the 20% of Americans who will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
Here are some important tips to consider when shopping for effective SPF products:
- Use an SPF of 30 or higher – Which one is better: SPF 30 vs 50? At the bare minimum, choose a moisturizing and non-pore-clogging sunscreen with an SPF of 30. But remember, a sunscreen with 50 SPF is even better, especially on the sensitive skin of your face and lips.
- Carry a travel SPF with you – Whether you’re packing up for a day at the pool or you’re flying across the country to visit family, throw an easy-to-use SPF in your purse—just in case. A brush-on mineral sunscreen (with 50 SPF) is ideal for traveling and contains helpful ingredients like vitamin E and zinc. It’s also non-clogging, so you can reduce redness, keep your pores oil-free, and protect your skin from the sun.
- Don’t forget a lip balm with sun-conscious ingredients – Not only will a lip balm with SPF keep your lips hydrated, but it’ll also give them much-needed sun protection (helping to prevent sunburned lips). Even better? You can choose from a variety of options, from tinted to all-natural and everything in between.
Treat Your Sunburned Lips to CLEARSTEM Skincare
Sometimes, a day in the sun turns into something else entirely—an impromptu excursion to the nearest store to procure the ingredients you need to heal sunburned lips. Fortunately, by protecting your lips with the right SPF products ahead of time, you can confidently spend your days in the sun with hydrated, moisturized, and healthy lips.
No matter your summer plans, CLEARSTEM has all of your skincare needs covered, from non-comedogenic sunscreens to our LIPS&CUTES™ lip treatments that protect and moisturize lips naturally. Embracing a holistic approach to skincare, CLEARSTEM has eliminated all hormone disruptors and toxins from our products, prioritizing your overall skin health.
Take our 60-second skincare quiz to determine the perfect products for your skin and lips today.
Sources:
- Medical News Today. Treatment Options for Sunburned Lips. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319004#why-do-lips-burn-easily
- Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery. Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Lower Lip Reconstructed with Bilateral Fan Flap. https://journals.lww.com/aoms/Fulltext/2019/09010/Squamous_Cell_Carcinoma_of_Lower_Lip_Reconstructed.37.aspx
- AAD. Sunscreen FAQs. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen
- Medical News Today. Treatment Options for Sunburned Lips. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319004#why-do-lips-burn-easily
- AAD. Sunscreen FAQs. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen
- NIH. The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
- Medical News Today. Ten Benefits of Vitamin E Oil. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318168#Ten-potential-benefits
- Mayo Clinic. Sunburn. https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-sunburn/basics/art-20056643
- Medical News Today. Treatment Options for Sunburned Lips. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319004
- EPA. UV Index Scale. https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-scale-0
- AAD. Skin Cancer. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer
