Sunburned lips may turn reddish, swollen, and tender. Their thin layer of skin may also make them vulnerable to developing fluid-filled blisters around. Here, we explore the signs and symptoms of sunburned lips, the natural remedies to treat this condition, and ways you can prevent this condition. Keep reading to know more.
Why Do Your Lips Burn Easily?
The lips are one of the most sensitive parts of your body. As the lips have a very thin layer of skin protecting them from the surrounding environment, their risk of getting sunburned is much higher than that of the rest of your body. Your lips also have very little melanin, which is the pigment that offers protection against the sun. This, again, increases the chances of your lips getting sunburned. The following are some common signs and symptoms associated with sunburned lips.
Signs And Symptoms
The lips look redder than usual Swelling of the skin on the lips Tenderness on and around the lips Formation of small, white, and fluid-filled blisters
Sunburned lips are not only unsightly to look at but also quite painful. While doctors may prescribe some over-the-counter medications, here are some natural remedies that can help in alleviating the symptoms of sunburned lips faster.
Natural Remedies To Treat Sunburned Lips At Home
How To Repair Sunburned Lips Naturally
1. Cold Compress
You Will Need An ice pack or cold compress What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this as soon as you notice the sunburn. Why This Works Cold compresses are generally used for pain-relief. They are soothing and exhibit anti-inflammatory activities that can help the sunburn heal faster (1).
2. Aloe Vera
You Will Need Freshly extracted aloe vera gel What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You may do this 2-3 times daily. Why This Works The healing action of aloe vera gel is so powerful that it can speed up the healing of first and second-degree burns. Hence, using aloe vera for your lips may help heal sunburn (2). Caution Aloe vera works best when it is well preserved.
3. Vitamins
In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, consumption of a combination of vitamins C and E was observed to reduce sunburn reaction and the induced damage (3). Foods rich in these vitamins include citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and sunflower seeds. Consult your doctor if you intend to take additional supplements for these vitamins.
4. Coconut Oil
You Will Need 1 teaspoon of extra virgin coconut oil What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this multiple times daily. Why This Works The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil can help in healing wounds from burns (4). It can also trap moisture on the lips and offer adequate hydration. Hence, a DIY coconut oil lip balm may also be effective in soothing sunburned lips. A beauty and lifestyle blogger applied coconut oil to her lips and achieved amazing results. Her lips became healthier and more hydrated than before. She adds, “Another thing I noticed was that applying coconut oil lightened the pigmentation on my lips and lightened them, thereby making them look pink (i).”
5. Almond Oil
You Will Need 1 teaspoon of cold-pressed almond oil What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this multiple times daily. Why This Works Almond oil exhibits photoprotective activities that can help prevent the damage caused by UV rays to your lips (5). It can also help in speeding up the recovery of sunburned lips.
6. Honey
You Will Need 1 teaspoon of raw honey What You Have To Do
Apply raw honey to the lips. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and rinse it off.
How Often You Should Do This You can do this 2-3 times daily for effective results. Why This Works The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of honey contribute to its burn wound healing activities (6). This action of honey may also help in healing your sunburned lips faster.
7. Tea Tree Oil
You Will Need
2-3 drops of tea tree oil 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You may do this 2-3 times daily. Why This Works Tea tree oil is widely used in sunscreen formulations. It can help relieve sunburns by increasing blood circulation to your skin (7). These are a few natural treatments that may help improve the condition of your sunburned lips. However, there are a few things you need to avoid while treating your lips. Check them out in the next section.
Treatments To Avoid
There are some OTC products, like creams and lotions, that can help treat sunburned lips. However, always check their ingredients lists to ensure they do not contain ingredients that you may be sensitive or allergic to and can cause skin irritation or adverse reactions. Also, it is best to avoid products containing petroleum jelly as it may lock in the heat from the sunburn, thus aggravating the inflammation. Furthermore, popping the fluid-filled blisters may lead to infection or worsen inflammation. If your lips start swelling or develop a rash, it is best to stop using the home remedies or treatment you are following and consult a doctor immediately. Sunburns can also increase your risk of developing lip cancer. Hence, it is extremely important to try and prevent your lips from getting sunburned. The following are some tips that may help.
How To Prevent Swollen And Sunburned Lips
Use a lip balm or lipstick of SPF 30 or more. Reapply the lip balm every hour or so. Moisturize your lips regularly. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, especially between 10 am and 4 pm. Avoid using tanning beds/booths. Wear hats or other clothing to protect your lips from the sun. Wear sunscreen daily, irrespective of the weather outside.
According to a 2023 survey conducted on 1,133 American adults, 16% of respondents always use sunscreen on their face, 32% occasionally apply sunscreen, and 25% stated that they never use sunscreen. Among those who never use sunscreen, 27% were male and 23% were female. Thus, these individuals are at a higher risk of developing sunburned lips. Is Vaseline good for sunburned lips? Maybe. While Vaseline may help soothe sunburned lips, it does not provide sun protection. Is Vicks Vaporub good for sunburn? Yes, applying Vicks Vaporub on a sunburnt area may help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. Why do sunburns get worse at night? Sunburns may get worse at night while you are lying down. This is because as you twist and turn, you may rub the sunburnt area on the bed. Can I put sunscreen on my lips? Yes, you can put sunscreen on the lips. It will help protect your lips from sun damage and chapping. Apply it before going out and reapply after every 2 hours. This is an effective way to get rid of chapped lips. How long do sun blisters on lips last? Sun blisters on lips may last around 3 to 5 days. In severe cases, they may last more than a week.
