Attention all beach bums, sun worshipers and outdoor enthusiasts! Summer is here and it’s time to soak up the sun. But before you do that, let us talk about an important part of your summer beauty routine that often gets overlooked – your lips! Yes, you heard it right. Lips are often the unsung heroes of our beauty routines and often forgotten when it comes to sun protection. When we apply sunscreen on our face and body, our lips become defenseless against the harmful UV rays of the sun. But fear not as we are here with some tips to prevent and treat sunburned lips.
Sunburned lips may seem like something that doesn’t happen to you, but it’s not. Many people do not even realize that lips can get sunburned and mistake it for chapped lips. But there is a difference between the two. Let us find out how to differentiate between chapped lips and sunburned lips.
chapped lips vs sunburned lips
“Cracked lips are usually the result of dehydration, harsh weather conditions or excessive licking of the lips. Sunburned lips are usually caused by unprotected exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause pain, swelling and peeling,” Dr. says Sudhindra G Udbalkar, Consultant Dermatology, Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru.
Chapped lips are a common problem that occurs when the lips become dry and dehydrated. They can be caused by exposure to cold or dry air, as well as by certain medications and medical conditions. chapped lips There may also be a condition called cheilitis, which is an inflammation of the lips.
Sunburned lips, on the other hand, are caused by exposure to UV rays from the sun. Its symptoms are redness, swelling and pain. While chapped lips can be treated with moisturizing lip balm, sunburned lips require more specialized treatment to ease symptoms.
How to prevent sunburned lips?
Preventing sunburned lips is the best way to avoid the discomfort and pain associated with the condition. Here are some tips to help you prevent sunburned lips:
1. Use lip balm with SPF
Just as you take care of your skin before going out in the sun, your lips need it too. spf Care too. Look for a lip balm that has an SPF of at least 15, and apply it liberally to your lips before going outside. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) found that lip balms with SPF significantly increased the protection of lips from UV radiation compared to non-SPF lip balms. Reapply this lip balm every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
2. Wear a Hat
A wide-brimmed hat can help shade your face and protect your lips from the sun. According to the study, wearing a hat with a brim of at least 3 inches can significantly reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching the face and lips.
3. Seek the Shade
If possible, stay in the shade during the hottest parts of the day, usually from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as this is the best way to prevent any type of sun damage.
4. Avoid tanning beds
Tanning beds also emit UV rays, which can damage your skin and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. According to studies in the AAD, bed use significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma.
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How to treat sunburned lips?
If your lips are sunburned, there are things you can do to reduce discomfort and promote healing. Here are some remedies to treat sunburned lips:
1. Apply Cool Compress
Applying a cold compress to your lips may help reduce swelling, redness, and pain. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found that using a cold compress can help relieve pain and swelling associated with a variety of oral wounds, including sunburned lips.
2. Drink plenty of fluids
Staying hydrated is important for maintaining healthy skin and lips. Drinking plenty of fluids can help reduce dryness and swelling and promote healing. It is always advisable to stay hydrated during the scorching summer months but your lips need that hydration too.
3. Avoid biting your lips
Picking your lip can slow down the healing process and increase your risk of infection. Persistent nipping and biting can lead to a condition called cheilitis, which is a lip swelling, The AAD study found that puckering on the lips can lead to a cycle of inflammation and damage that can be difficult to break.
4. Use Aloe Vera
There is nothing more soothing and cooling than aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel can help soothe inflamed skin and promote healing. Aloe vera gel is effective in treating a variety of skin conditions including burns, wounds and inflammation.
5. Avoid Lipstick or Lip Gloss
Certain types of lipsticks and lip glosses may contain ingredients such as certain pigments and waxes that can dry out or irritate your lips. If you are experiencing sunburned lips, it is best to avoid these products until your lips have healed.
