7 natural remedies for sunburned lips at home
7 natural remedies for sunburned lips at home
Most of us have experienced sunburn or tanning at some point in our lives. That’s why we make sure to apply sunscreen before going outside. As we apply sunscreen to our bodies and face to protect it, we tend to neglect our lips. But did you know that your lips are more sensitive to the sun than the rest of your body? If you’ve noticed your lips turning a darker color over time, you know why now!
Have you ever dealt with sunburned lips? Do you want to learn about natural remedies that can help your lips heal faster? Well, scroll down for the solutions!
Why do your lips burn easily?
The lips are one of the most sensitive parts of the body. Because the lips have a very thin layer of skin that protects them from the surrounding environment, the risk of them getting sunburned is much higher than the risks of the rest of the body.
Your lips also contain very little melanin, the pigment that provides protection from the sun. This, again, increases the chances of your lips getting sunburned.
Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with sunburn.
Signs and symptoms
- Lips look redder than usual
- Swelling of the skin on the lips
- Tenderness on and around the lips
- Small white blisters filled with fluid
Sunburned lips are not only unsightly but also extremely painful. While doctors may prescribe some over-the-counter medications, here are some natural remedies that can help relieve burning lip symptoms faster.
Natural home remedies for sunburn
- cold compress
- cactus
- vitamins
- Coconut Oil
- Almond oil
- honey
- tea tree oil
How to repair sunburned lips naturally
1. Cold compress
you will need
An ice pack or a cold pack
What you have to do
- Put an ice pack on the lips.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat as necessary.
How often should you do this
Do this as soon as you notice a sunburn.
Why does this work
Cold compresses are soothing and exhibit anti-inflammatory activities that can help sunburn heal faster
2. Aloe vera
you will need
Freshly extracted aloe vera gel
What you have to do
- Take some freshly extracted aloe vera gel and spread it on the affected area.
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off with water.
How often should you do this
You can do this 2-3 times daily.
Why does this work
The healing action of aloe vera gel is so powerful that it can speed up the healing of first and second degree burns. Hence, it may also help treat sunburned lips
careful
Aloe vera works best when kept well.
3. Vitamins
In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, it was noted that consuming a combination of vitamins C and E reduces sunburn reactivity and damage caused
Foods rich in these vitamins include citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and sunflower seeds. Consult your doctor if you intend to take additional supplements of these vitamins.
4. Coconut oil
you will need
1 teaspoon extra virgin coconut oil
What you have to do
- Gently apply extra-virgin coconut oil to the lips.
- Leave it to dry.
How often should you do this
You can do this several times daily.
Why does this work
The antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties of coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) can aid in the healing of wounds from burns. Thus, it may also be effective in soothing sunburned lips.
5. Almond oil
you will need
1 teaspoon cold pressed almond oil
What you have to do
- Apply cold pressed almond oil on your lips.
- Leave it to dry.
How often should you do this
You can do this several times daily.
Why does this work
Almond oil exhibits photoprotective activities that can help prevent damage caused by UV rays to your lips. It can also help speed up the recovery of sunburned lips.
6. Honey
you will need
1 teaspoon raw honey
What you have to do
- Apply raw honey on the lips.
- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes and then rinse it off.
How often should you do this
You can do this 2-3 times daily for effective results.
Why does this work
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of honey contribute to the wound healing activities. This honey may also help heal 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
- Add two to three drops of tea tree oil to a tablespoon or two of coconut oil.
- Mix well and apply on your lips.
- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing it off.
How often should you do this
You can do this 2-3 times daily.
Why does this work
Tea tree oil is widely used in sunscreen formulations. It can help relieve sunburn by increasing blood circulation to your skin
Sunburn can also increase the risk of lip cancer. Hence, it is very important to try to prevent your lips from getting sunburned. Here are some tips that may help.
How to prevent swollen lips and sunburn
- Use a lip balm or lipstick with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Reapply lip balm every hour or so.
- Moisturise your lips regularly.
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Avoid using tanning beds/booths.
- Wear hats or other clothing to protect your lips from the sun.
- Apply sunscreen daily, no matter the weather outside.
These precautions can help you avoid sunburn completely. But, if you have this problem, try any of the above remedies to get quick relief. If none of these things help, seek medical help for a sunburn.
I hope this article will help you or someone close who is looking for natural alternatives to treat sunburned lips. If you have further queries, feel free to contact us through the comments section below.
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