Attention all beach lovers, sun worshipers and outdoor enthusiasts. Summer is here and it’s time to soak up the sunshine. Before we get into that, let’s talk about an often-overlooked important part of your summer beauty routine: your lips. Yes it sounded right. Lips are often the unsung hero of our beauty routine, and it’s easy to forget when it comes to sunscreen. We smear sunscreen on our faces and bodies, but our lips remain vulnerable to the sun’s harmful UV rays. But don’t worry. Here are some tips on how to prevent and treat sunburns on your lips.
Getting a tan on your lips might seem like something you wouldn’t do, but it doesn’t. Many people don’t even know that their lips can get sunburned and mistake it for chapped lips. But there is a difference between the two. Let’s see how to distinguish between chapped and sunburned lips.
chapped lips vs tanned lips
“Cracked lips are usually caused by dehydration, harsh weather conditions, or excessive licking of the lips. , swelling and peeling,” says Dr. Sudindra G. Udvarkar, Dermatology Consultant, Fortis Hospital, Bengaluru.
Chapped lips are a common problem that occurs when your lips become dry and dehydrated. It can be caused by exposure to cold or dry air, certain medications or medical conditions. chapped lips It can also cause a condition called cheilitis, which is inflammation of the lips.
Lip tanning, on the other hand, is caused by exposure to UV rays from the sun. Symptoms are redness, swelling and pain. While chapped lips can be treated with a moisturizing lip balm, sunburned lips require more specific treatment to reduce symptoms.
How to prevent sunburn on lips?
Preventing sunburn on your lips is the best way to avoid the discomfort and pain associated with this condition. Here are some tips to prevent sunburn on your lips.
1. Use lip balm with SPF
Just like your skin needs it before going out in the sun, your lips need it too. SPF Please be careful too. Look for a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher and apply a generous amount to your lips before going out. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) found that lip balms containing SPF provided significantly better UV protection for lips compared to lip balms without SPF. rice field. Continue to apply 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. Studies show that wearing a hat with a brim of at least 3 inches can significantly reduce the amount of UV rays that reach your face and lips.
3. Find shade
If possible, stay in the shade during the hottest hours of the day, usually between 10am and 4pm. This is the best way to prevent sun damage of any kind.
4. Avoid tanning beds
Tanning beds also emit ultraviolet rays, which can damage the skin and increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Studies on the use of AAD tanning beds significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma.
Also read: Khloe Kardashian Puts Skin Cancer Back in the Spotlight: Finding Out About the Disease
How to treat sunburnt lips?
If your lips have been sunburned, there are a few things you can do to ease the discomfort and speed up healing. Here are some tips for taking care of sunburns on your lips.
1. Apply a cold compress.
Applying a cold compress to your lips can help reduce inflammation, redness, and pain. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found that applying cold compresses can reduce pain and inflammation associated with many types of oral lesions, including sunburned lips.
2. Drink lots of water
Staying hydrated is key to maintaining healthy skin and lips. Drinking plenty of fluids can help reduce dryness and inflammation and promote healing. Anyway, it is wise to stay hydrated during the hot summer months, but your lips also need to be hydrated.
3. Avoid picking your lips
Picking your lips can slow the healing process and increase your risk of infection. Continuous plucking and chewing can also cause a condition called cheilitis. inflammation of the lips. An AAD study found that lip picking sets off a cycle of inflammation and damage that can be difficult to break.
4. Use Aloe Vera
Nothing is more soothing and cooling than aloe vera gel. Aloe vera gel soothes irritated skin and promotes healing. Aloe vera gel is effective in treating a variety of skin conditions such as burns, wounds, and inflammation.
5. Avoid lipstick and lip gloss
Some lipsticks and lip glosses contain ingredients that can dry out or irritate your lips, such as certain types of pigments and waxes. If your lips are sunburned, it’s best to avoid these products until your lips have healed.
