7 Natural Treatments For Sunburned Lips & Prevention Tips

Most of us love to apply sunscreen to protect our face and body. But do you know that lips are more vulnerable to sun damage than the rest of the body? There are some natural treatments for sunburned lips that help reduce the associated symptoms.

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

1. Cold Compress
2. Aloe Vera
3. Vitamins
4. Coconut Oil
5. Almond Oil
6. Honey
7. Tea Tree Oil

How To Repair Sunburned Lips Naturally

1. Cold Compress

You Will Need

An ice pack or cold compress

What You Have To Do

1. Apply an ice pack to the lips.
2. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
3. Repeat as necessary.

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).

Quick Tip

You can also soak a clean towel in ice-cold water and press on your lips after squeezing out the excess water.

2. Aloe Vera

You Will Need

Freshly extracted aloe vera gel

What You Have To Do

1. Take some freshly extracted aloe vera gel and spread it over the affected area.
2. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

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

1. Apply extra virgin coconut oil gently to the lips.
2. Leave it on until it dries.

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).”

Quick Tip

Applying coconut oil not only relieves the burning sensation but also reduces peeling and itching of the skin on lips.

5. Almond Oil

You Will Need

1 teaspoon of cold-pressed almond oil

What You Have To Do

1. Apply cold-pressed almond oil to your lips.
2. Leave it on until it dries.

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

1. Add two to three drops of tea tree oil to one to two teaspoons of coconut oil.
2. Mix well and apply it to your lips.
3. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off.

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. Although these natural remedies can help in mild cases, it is best to consult a healthcare professional if the sunburn is severe. 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.

Quick Tip

You can also apply clarified butter or ghee on sunburned lips as it is an excellent moisturizer and soothes inflammation.

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.

Once your lips are sunburned, do not dismiss it. It is always best to treat it before it gets worse. Keep reading to learn about the consequences of leaving sunburned lips untreated.

Health Risks Of Untreated Sunburned Lips

Untreated sunburned lips can lead to:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Blisters

Over time, it may cause dryness and cracking, increasing the risk of infection.

Repeated sunburns on the lips can also raise the chance of skin cancer (8). So, it is important to protect and treat them promptly.

Infographic: Ingredients That Make Sunburned Lips Worse

Even though the label does not clearly state it, many lip balms contain exfoliating chemicals. Gentle exfoliation, whether from a lip scrub or chemical cleansers, is beneficial to the lips every now and then. However, it is not recommended when your lips are scorched. Just the way you would not use a strong scrub on your tanned body, you should avoid doing the same with your lips. You should also avoid plumping products for the time being as they can irritate your lips. Avoid the ingredients mentioned in the infographic below when your lips are sunburned.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vaseline good for sunburned lips?

Maybe. While Vaseline may help soothe sunburned lips, it does not provide sun protection.

What ingredients should I look for in lip balms?

When choosing a lip balm, look for ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil to moisturize and protect. A minimum SPF 30 is also important to protect your lips from the sun. Ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E can be helpful for healing. Avoid harsh chemicals and ingredients like artificial fragrances or menthol as they can cause irritation.

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.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Harryono JudodihardjoMB BCh BAO, MSc, PhD, DipGUM, DCH, DDSc

 

Dr Judodihardjo is a senior dermatologist with 24 years of experience and has two private practices in London and Cardiff. He was named the Best Dermatologist in the UK in 2019 by Tatler magazine. He is the Dermatology programme director for the FACE conference in the UK for many years.

Read full bio of Dr. Harryono Judodihardjo

Shaheen NaserHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology from Bharathiar University. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Genetic Counseling.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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