can-lips-get-sunburned

Key Takeaways

  • Your lips can absolutely get sunburned because the skin on them is thinner, contains very little melanin, and has no oil glands, which makes them much more sensitive to UV damage than the rest of your skin. 
  • Sunburned lips can show up as redness, swelling, dryness, cracking, or even blisters, and these symptoms can range from mildly annoying to seriously uncomfortable depending on how much sun exposure you had. 
  • Treating sunburned lips means giving them a break from the sun, keeping them hydrated with soothing balms or aloe, using cool compresses for comfort, and resisting the urge to pick at peeling skin so they can heal properly. 
  • The best way to prevent lip sunburn is to use a broad spectrum SPF lip balm every day and reapply often, especially after eating or drinking, since consistent protection helps avoid both short term irritation and long term damage. 

Table of Contents

Can lips get sunburned? Yes, and they’re more vulnerable than you think. Discover symptoms, treatments, and the best ways to protect your lips year-round.

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