How to Repair Sunburnt Lips and Get a Kissable Pout
For some, sunburnt lips are just another part of the warmer months, just like tan lines and flip-flops. No, thank you!
If you’re struggling with sunburnt lips this summer, we have the perfect tips to help you treat sunburnt lips and stop future mishaps dead in their tracks.
Why do lips burn easily?
We all apply sunscreen before going out, but we forget to protect our lips from sunburn as well. Lips can burn, too!
Our lips are susceptible to sunburn because they are:
- Sensitive to the sun’s UV rays
- Made of delicate, thin layers of skin
- Low in melatonin levels (melatonin is a skin pigment that helps protect against sun rays)
- Constantly prone to sun exposure
This makes it actually pretty common to experience sunburnt lips, although some people might suffer from mild cases and not realize their lips are even burning!
If you think you might have burnt your lips due to prolonged sun exposure, let’s call out some warning signs to look for.
What are the signs you have sunburnt lips?
According to Healthline, symptoms of sunburnt lips are:
- Unusually red lips
- Lip swelling
- Lips sensitive to touch
- Blisters on the lips
Just a heads up, your lips can totally start showing sunburn symptoms even up to 24 hours after you've been out in the sun.
How long can sunburnt lips last?
According to Glamour, “With proper care, the healing process can take a week or two” depending on the severity of the burn.
If you’re experiencing second-degree burns, do not pop any blisters. Schedule a checkup with your dermatologist as soon as possible.
We’re hoping you don’t have any frogs to kiss for the next few days, but if you do, follow our surefire 4-step system to treat sunburnt lips!
Treat sunburnt lips in 4 easy steps
Step 1: Soothe and Cool
Grab a washcloth and soak it in refreshing cool water. Gently press it against your sunburnt lips. This simple step works wonders in reducing swelling and providing a cooling sensation. Ahh, feels so good!
Step 2: Aloe Vera Magic
Next up, it's time to unleash the power of aloe vera. Break off a stalk from an aloe vera plant (if you've got one handy) and squeeze out that soothing gel. Apply it generously to your lips.
Not an aloe plant parent? No worries! You can find after-sun gels with 100 percent aloe vera at your local drugstore. Your lips will thank you for this refreshing rescue!
Step 3: Tackle Inflammation
When it comes to fighting sunburn-related pain and redness, anti-inflammatories are here to save the day.
Grab some ibuprofen (like Advil or Motrin) and take it as soon as possible after sun exposure. These little helpers work from the inside, providing relief and calming the fire within.
Step 4: Hydration Station
Last but definitely not least, give your lips the hydration they crave. Say goodbye to dry, cracked lips and say hello to our ultimate lip-loving solution: hydrating lip gels!
These babies are the real MVPs when it comes to restoring moisture and protecting your lips during the healing process. Green tea extract soothes the lips while niacinamide increases water retention to hold moisture in and keep the burning sensation out.
Apply these magic gels generously and let them speed up the healing process.
Follow these 4 steps and you'll be flaunting a healthy, happy pout in no time!
What to avoid when healing sunburnt lips
There are a few products you want to avoid when healing sunburnt lips this summer.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), avoid putting any moisturizers with petroleum on your burnt lips. Petroleum traps the heat from your burn into your skin which can cause warmth and itchiness. It also blocks the pores, preventing sweat from escaping and air from penetrating, which can delay healing and possibly lead to infection.
Stay away from products that have “–caine” in its name or ingredients. Products like lidocaine or benzocaine might seem helpful, but they could actually cause irritation or allergic reactions on the lips. Not to mention these ingredients shouldn’t be ingested, and we all know it’s virtually impossible not to ingest lip products.
We also wanted to reiterate that you should not pop any heat blisters!! This can delay healing because blisters act as a barrier to protect your burn.
How to prevent sunburnt lips
If you want your lips to be on point all summer long – soft, moisturized, and ready for those sweet kisses – follow this laid-back lip care routine.
Trust us, it'll save you from painful smooches, dry lips, and not-so-cute blisters.
Summer Lip Care Routine
Step 1: Exfoliation Nation
First things first, scrub away dryness with a lip exfoliator. (Side note: we don’t recommend this if your lips are sunburnt, but it’s a great prevention technique.) Get rid of any flaky bits and reveal the smoothness underneath. It's like a fresh canvas for your lips!
- Mix one teaspoon of honey with two teaspoons of sugar
- Massage the mixture into your lips and leave for 10 minutes
- Then wash it with water and wipe your lips gently with a soft towel
Another exfoliating lip scrub that you can make at home is one teaspoon each: honey, coconut oil, brown sugar, and warm water. Mix these together. Rub this scrub on the lips and massage it for 2-3 minutes. Let the scrub on your lips for about 10 minutes or so. Then wash it with water and wipe your lips gently with a soft towel.
If you're looking for even more homemade lip scrubs we love these DIY suggestions by ICON on YouTube.
Step 2: Lip Mask, Baby!
Time to give your lips some serious TLC. Apply a lip mask and let it work its magic. The Flashpatch hydrating lip gels work wonders in just 5 minutes. It's like a spa day for your pout, leaving them feeling super soft and rejuvenated. You'll thank us later.
Step 3: Lip Balm Love
Now that your lips are prepped and pampered, seal the deal with a bomb lip balm. Our favorite is the pout perfector because it’s a gloss and a balm all in one! As you glide on the gloss, it slowly melts into a soothing balm that'll nourish and condition your delicate lips to keep them hydrated for hours on end.
Step 4: Sun Protection
If you're going to be spending a lot of time in the sun, it's a good idea to wear a hat to protect your lips. This will help to block the sun's rays and prevent sunburn. Like this J.Crew wide-brim packable hat.
Looking for the perfect lip care duo? Get your lip gels and lip balm in our favorite kiss kiss kit!
Seal it with a smooch
You're now equipped with all the tricks to heal and prevent sunburnt lips so you can rock a seriously kissable pout this summer. No more hiding behind dryness, pain, or blisters!
Remember, our 4-step system for healing and our summer lip care routine will be your go-to remedies while you beat the heat.
So go out there, soak up the sun, and make some unforgettable summer memories. Keep those lips smiling, stay fabulous, and enjoy every lip-smacking moment this sunny season!
Ready to level up your skincare game? Dive into our blog for more pro tips or take a quiz to find your personalized skin routine!
Note: While these tips are helpful, it's always best to consult with a medical professional for personalized advice and before trying any new treatments, remedies, or medications.