Sunburn can be a serious issue for the face and any part of the body. In addition to the face, the lips are the most vulnerable to sunburn, but they are also the most neglected area for sun protection.
Our lips have less melanin (a natural skin pigment that can protect against UV rays) compared to other parts of the body, which makes them more susceptible to sunburn. Compared to any other area of the body, lips need to be moisturized more frequently, regardless of the season.
It’s not difficult to identify whether your lips are sunburned or not, as the symptoms are similar to cracked lips. Your lips will feel dry, peeling, and easily irritated, and they may even swell and turn red.
Protecting your lips under the sun
While using sunscreen daily (for the face and body) to protect your lips can be convenient, it’s not suitable for the delicate skin of the lips. Sunscreen for the face and body can contain harmful substances when ingested.
Due to the unique nature of lip skin and the potential for product transfer, a lip balm with SPF is recommended by experts.
How to care for your sunburned lips
You should use moisturizing products for your lips such as shea butter, aloe vera, and Ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory drug) to relieve pain and swelling.
In addition, you should supplement with vitamins. Studies have shown that using vitamin D3 helps reduce sunburn symptoms after an hour.
Furthermore, you can cool your lips with water, milk, or aloe vera to provide moisture to the sunburned area… Especially, don’t forget to exfoliate your lip skin. Here are some formulas you can refer to:
Oatmeal and honey
Not only can you use the oatmeal and honey mixture to exfoliate your lips, but you can also use it to care for your face and body. Before applying it to your lips, make sure to clean them thoroughly, removing all lipstick and makeup. After applying the mixture, leave it on for 1-2 minutes, then rinse it off and pat dry.
Vaseline and sugar
Mix 1 tablespoon of Vaseline moisturizer with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Then, apply this mixture to your lips and massage gently for 3-5 minutes in circular motions. Avoid rubbing too hard as it may scratch your lips. Finally, rinse it off with warm water. You can use this method 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells.
Strawberry
Strawberries have a mild acid, which helps effectively remove dead skin cells from the lips. Additionally, strawberries contain many vitamins that contribute to making the lips plump and evenly colored. You can apply this formula 1-2 times per week to prevent dry and chapped lips during dry seasons.
Apply the mixture directly to your lips and massage for a few minutes. Finally, rinse with warm water and apply lip balm or moisturizing lip balm.