Can Your Lips Get Sunburned?

 

Bad news - oh yes they can. Just like the rest of your skin, your lips are susceptible to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Too much exposure and you’re in for a nasty sunburn on some of the most sensitive skin on your body.

The sunny summer months are already hard on your skin. Stepping up your men’s grooming game for the season is critical. 

You know that prevention is key too. Sunburns - and nasty sun poisoning - are no fun. Imagine the pain, discomfort, and generally miserable experience of a sunburn on your lips. It sucks.

How do your lips get sunburned in the first place? How can you prevent it from happening? And - if it’s too late - how can you treat a painful burn?

How Lips Get Sunburned

Overexposure to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays causes skin damage called sunburn. Skin pigmentation works a lot like natural sun protection. The lighter your skin, the more at risk you are. Gingers, look out - the sun is out to get you.

A mild sunburn will turn your skin pink and cause irritation. A more aggressive burn can cause blistering. This is what you want to avoid on your lips.

Don’t forget - a cloudy day does not mean you are safe from a burn. Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through cloud cover. 

Prevention Is Best

Wearing sunscreen whenever you will be outside is the best way to prevent a sunburn. It’s easy and cheap. There are no excuses for not applying sunblock… other than laziness. Hopefully, you’re already doing a good job protecting your skin from burns.

Already using face wash for men and taking skincare for men seriously? Why would you turn around and ignore this clear and present danger for your skin?

Now it’s time to upgrade your protection to your lips too. Nobody wants to see cracked, blistered, sunburned lips. That's no way to get attention or admiration from present or potential significant others.

Get serious about skin prevention. Use lip balm for men that includes SPF protection - go with SPF 15 or higher.

Don’t forget to reapply. This is a common mistake that lots of guys make. You’re outside working, play ball, or relaxing at the beach. You’ve gotten sweaty or been in the water. And you forget to reapply your sunscreen and lip balm for men.

Big mistake.

Sunscreen and lip protection should be reapplied every 2-3 hours to get the best results. If you’ve worked up a sweat or have been swimming, reapply as soon as you’ve dried off. Even sweat-proof and waterproof sunblock should be reapplied. Better safe than sorry.

Treating Sunburned Lips

Too late? Already suffering from sunburned lips? Use these tips to ease the pain and accelerate the recovery process:

— Stay out of the sun. It’s already damaged your skin - don’t let things get any worse. Limit sun exposure to the absolute minimum possible. If you must be outside, use a hat to keep your face out of the direct sunlight.

— Drink plenty of water. A sunburn dries out your skin. Stay hydrated to help your body recover faster.

— Don’t mess with blisters. One of the telltale signs of sunburned lips is blisters. Resist the urge to push or pop them - that will only make matters worse. 

— Apply petroleum jelly. This will protect your lips and keep them moisturized. Just a little does it.

— See your dermatologist. If your lips don't improve after a couple days, make an appointment with your dermatologist. They can address any serious problems and help prevent a sunburn from becoming a major issue.

Protect Your Skin

Skincare for men is about looking your best. Preventing skin problems - such as sunburned lips - should be a major part of your men’s grooming goals. 

Be smart about using sunscreen. Keep lip balm for men with SPF 15 on you at all times and apply often. You will stay healthy, look your best, and prevent a bad sunburn experience.