Kiss Sunburn Goodbye! How To Keep Your Lips Safe from the Sun

In recent decades, people have become much more aware of how important it is to protect themselves from the sun’s rays. While many are eagerly wearing sunscreen these days, some may not know how about the negative health consequences of sun damage to their lips. Here’s a brief overview of how to protect these sensitive tissues from sunburn so that they can stay healthy and help you smile beautifully.

SPF Lip Balm Is Your Friend

One of the best things you can do for your lips is to apply a moisturizing SPF lip balm to them at intervals of roughly two hours. Your lips are covered with a thin layer of skin that contains little melanin, and while this lends them their reddish color, it also leaves them more vulnerable to sunburn. SPF lip balm will absorb many of the sun’s harmful rays, protecting your mouth from sunburn while also lowering your risk of skin cancer. Lip balms with sun protection usually register at about SPF 15 or 30, and a high SPF is best if you’re planning on being in the sun for an extended period.

Sunlight is most intense roughly between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Minimizing sun exposure during this time can be a great way to keep your lips out of harm’s way.

How Can Sunburnt Lips Be Treated?

If your lips become sunburned, they may show symptoms such as being redder than usual, tenderness, swelling, or small white blisters. To relieve the resulting discomfort, try soaking a soft washcloth in ice water and holding it over your lips. You may also want to try applying 100% aloe vera or another moisturizer to help the healing process, but take care not to use anything containing petroleum. You may also find some relief from the discomfort and swelling through over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

It’s best to stay out of the sun while your lips are healing. Mild sunburn should last about three to five days, but please contact  your doctor if yours lasts longer than that.

Your lips play a crucial part in your oral health by protecting your teeth and gums, and brushing and flossing is likely to become much less comfortable if they are sunburnt and swollen. Giving your lips the protection they need can help your mouth stay healthy and comfortable.

About the Practice

Serenity Orthodontics delivers friendly and effective orthodontic services from six locations in Roswell, Jonesboro, Suwanee, Braselton, and Cumming, GA. Led by Drs. Karolina Grochowska, Kylie Lewis, and Susan Podray-Donovan, the staff sees to each patient enjoying an exemplary oral healthcare experience. Areas of expertise include clear aligners, traditional braces, and orthodontic emergency care. To learn more about keeping your lips healthy, contact the practice online.