Yes, Even Your Lips Can Get Sunburned

Your face gets more sun exposure than perhaps any other part of your body. It’s why dermatologists everywhere suggest wearing sunscreen every day — even when you wear makeup.

But the skin on your lips is thinner and more sensitive than other areas. So, it doesn’t take very long for your lips to burn with the rest of your face — and your bottom lip is 12 times more likely than your upper lip to get sunburned because of its constant exposure.

Dermatologist Lindsey Moore, MD, shares what makes sunburned lips a particular problem and how to treat or avoid them.

What do sunburned lips feel like?

Similar to sunburns on other parts of your body, sunburned lips can be red and painful. They may also be:

• Tender to touch
• Swollen
• Blistered
• Dry, cracked or peeling

How long does it last?

Sunburned lips usually last anywhere from a few days to a week. How long it takes your lips to heal depends on your exposure to the sun, what kind of treatments you use and the severity of your burn.

If the sunburn on your lips gets worse or still hurts after a week, make an appointment with a healthcare provider. You also want to see a provider right away if your lips become so swollen that you have a hard time eating, drinking or talking.

“Sunburned lips also pose a risk for other problems, like infection from bacteria or cold sores, otherwise known as the herpes simplex virus (HSV),” says Dr. Moore. “When your lip barrier is compromised by cracking or peeling, these two issues can occur, causing pain and either crusting or blistering. It’s important to treat early to prevent spread of infection to others.”

How to treat sunburned lips

Sunburned lips can be sore, but they heal with time and the right care. Start with a cold compress to reduce swelling and soothe discomfort. You can also apply pure aloe vera to help calm the burn, and take an anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen, if needed. Moisturizing with a gentle balm can help the healing process along, too. But you shouldn’t pick your lips or pop any blisters — these will heal on their own.

What you can do to prevent it in the future

Sunburned lips increase your risk of lip cancer, so try to reduce your risk whenever possible. Limit your sun exposure and wear lip balm or chapstick with an SPF of 30 or more. Reapply it every hour and immediately after swimming, eating or drinking.

“Sunburned lips, though often overlooked, can lead to discomfort and long-term problems if not properly treated,” reiterates Dr. Moore.

“Adding your lips to the long list of places that need sun protection will pay off in the long run. Year-round UV protection and remembering to use lip balm with SPF 30 on even cloudy or cold days is very important when it comes to your health.”