Can Lips Get Sunburned?
Yes, lips can get sunburned. In fact, they’re one of the most delicate areas of skin on your body, making them a particularly delicate area that is highly vulnerable to damage. Because the skin on your lips is thinner and doesn’t contain much melanin, the pigment that helps protect against UV rays, they lack the natural protection found in other areas of the skin, such as melanin and sweat glands. Compared to other areas of your body, lips are more sensitive to sunburn due to their unique structure. Sunburn on the lips is caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun's rays, which can easily damage this sensitive skin. That’s why a long beach day, a mountain hike, or even just your daily commute in the sun can leave them sore, cracked, and burned. The good news? With a little SPF and some easy habits, you can keep your lips protected all year long.
Why Are Lips So Prone to Sunburn?
Your lips are thinner than the rest of your skin and are also a delicate skin area. They don’t have oil glands to keep them hydrated, which means they dry out and burn faster. They also don’t have much melanin, the pigment that helps shield skin from UV rays. Because of this, lips lack the natural protection that helps shield other areas of the body from sunburn. Combine that with how often we’re sipping, eating, or licking our lips—basically wiping away any protection—and they end up way more vulnerable than we realize, making protecting this delicate skin from sun exposure especially important.
Signs and Symptoms of Sunburned Lips
Sunburned lips can sneak up on you. At first, they might just feel a little tight or chapped, but symptoms can range from mildly annoying to seriously painful. Sunburned lips are a form of sunburned skin and can affect not only the lips but also the area around the mouth. In addition to pain, redness, and swelling, sunburned lips may also cause a burning sensation and a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Mild Sunburn Symptoms
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Redness or slight swelling
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Dryness or flaking
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Dry lips
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Tenderness when eating or talking
Severe Sunburn Symptoms
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Blistering or peeling
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Blistered areas or fluid filled bumps
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Cracks that may bleed
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Intense pain or swelling that makes smiling tough
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In rare cases, flu-like symptoms from too much sun exposure
More severe sunburn symptoms can include lips that are severely swollen or a bad sunburn that may require medical attention.
Treatment for Sunburned Lips
To treat sunburned lips, the first step is to give them a break from the sun. A soothing lip balm with aloe or vitamin E can help lock in moisture. You can also apply aloe vera gel—preferably 100% pure and chilled—for soothing relief and to accelerate healing or any of our lip care products that include aloe vera and coconut oil. Using a gentle balm or petroleum jelly will further protect your lips and lock in moisture.
Cool compresses are effective home remedies to treat sunburn and treat sunburned lips, as they help reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can also help manage pain and swelling.
Staying hydrated helps, too, since your body heals better when it’s not dried out. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to support healing and maintain lip moisture.
And as tempting as it might be—don’t pick at peeling skin or blisters. That only slows down the healing process.
If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a board certified dermatologist for expert advice and care.
How to Prevent Lip Sunburn
Sun protection is crucial for preventing sunburn on your lips. It’s way easier to protect your lips than to fix them after the fact. The simplest way is to make a lip balm with SPF or an SPF lip balm part of your daily routine like our original SPF 30 lip balm. Choose one with SPF 30 or higher, keep it handy, and reapply after eating or drinking. Wearing and making a habit to wear SPF lip products every day is especially important during more sun exposure, such as outdoor activities or sunny days. For added protection, consider using a lip product like lipstick with SPF. Avoid tanning beds, as they can also cause sunburn on the lips. By protecting your lips with these strategies, you can prevent sunburn and long-term damage. If you’re outdoors for long stretches, throw a hat or face covering into the mix for extra shade. And don’t skip SPF in winter—snow reflects UV rays just as much as water does.
What Is the Best Sunscreen for Lips?
Dermatologists and the Skin Cancer Foundation recommend broad-spectrum SPF 30+ for lips. If you’re surfing, skiing, or sweating a lot, look for a water-resistant option that also hydrates with ingredients like shea butter or vitamin E. Choose a lip product that provides both sun protection and hydration to keep your lips healthy. The best sunscreen for your lips is the one you’ll actually use every day, so find a balm you like the feel and flavor of, and make it part of your routine.
Sunburned Lips FAQs
How Long Do Sunburns on Your Lips Last?
Most sunburned lips heal in about three to seven days. Mild burns fade in a few, but blisters or swelling may take longer. If things don’t improve in a week or you can’t comfortably eat or talk, that’s a sign to check in with a doctor.
What Does Sun Damage on Lips Feel Like?
Tender, sore, and extra sensitive. Sunburned lips often feel warm to the touch and can sting when you smile or chew. They might look redder than usual, feel dry, crack, or even blister. In more serious cases, they can bleed or scab, making everyday stuff like eating pretty uncomfortable.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Lip Sunburn?
Repeated burns can lead to lasting damage. Over time, lips may become rough, scaly, or develop sores—a condition known as actinic cheilitis. According to some studies, this can raise the risk of lip cancer, especially on the lower lip where sun exposure is strongest. Consistent SPF protection is the best way to keep your lips safe long-term.
