Lips are one of the most sensitive parts of our face, so it’s no surprise that they are also the first to suffer from the harmful UV rays of the sun. 

Sun damaged lips not only decrease the attractiveness of our face, but also cause health problems ranging from chapped lips to skin cancer. In this article we take a deep look into the causes and effects of sun-damaged lips as well as explore solutions to prevent and treat its consequences.

What Causes Sun Damaged Lips?

The main cause of sun-damaged lips is overexposure to UV rays, and the causes of UV ray exposure could be many. Here are a few:

Spending time in the sun without any protection: The most common mistake people make is to not take any precautions before going out in the sun. Not applying sunscreen or chapstick prior to sun exposure drastically increases the chances of getting sun-damaged lips.

Lack of knowledge: A lot of people are unaware of the dangers of UV rays and forget to take basic precautions every time they are out in the sun.

Climate: People living in hot climates or places with lots of sunlight and humidity are exposed to increased UV rays that can be damaging to their lips.

Symptoms of Sun Damaged Lips Sadly, it is very hard to tell whether or not your lips are sun damaged until it’s too late. That’s why you should be diligent in protecting your lips from the sun.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of sun-damaged lips:

Dryness: The most common symptom of sun-damaged lips is dryness. This is because the sun’s rays can strip away the natural oils of the skin resulting in dry and chapped lips.

Discoloration: When exposed to UV rays for long periods of time, lips can start to darken and look discolored.

Flaky skin: This is a direct result of overexposure to the sun as the skin loses its natural oils and starts to flake off.

Cracked skin: Sun-damaged lips can start to crack and bleed due to the loss of skin flexibility and elasticity.

Crust formations: Sometimes, too much sun exposure can result in crusts forming on the lips due to the dry skin.

Pain: Sun-damaged lips can also be accompanied by pain and burning sensations due to the lack of natural oils.

Effects of Sun Damaged Lips Sun-damaged lips can cause a plethora of health issues, ranging from mild to severe. Here are some of the most common effects of sun-damaged lips:

Skin cancer: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to the development of skin cancer on the lips. So, if you notice any changes such as discoloration, lumps or sores on your lips, consult a doctor immediately.

Wrinkling: Sun-damaged lips can make them look older and cause wrinkles, making us look older than we actually are.

Chapped lips: Sun exposure can cause the skin to dry out and results in chapped lips. This can be a very uncomfortable condition that should be treated promptly.

Dryness in mouth: Sun-damaged lips can also cause dryness in the mouth due to lack of moisture and lip protection from the sun.

Burning sensation: Sun-damaged lips can also cause burning sensations due to the lack of natural protective oils.

Preventing Sun Damaged Lips The best way to avoid dealing with sun-damaged lips is to practice preventive measures. Here are some tips to help keep your lips safe from the sun:

Apply SPF lip balm: Make sure to apply a lip balm that contains SPF every time you go out in the sun. The SPF will help protect your lips from UV rays.

Cover up: When you are in the sun for prolonged periods of time, use a scarf or hat to cover your face and lips to keep them safe from the sun’s rays.

Stay in the shade: Whenever possible, try to stay in the shade as it will help to keep your lips from becoming sunburned.

Hydrate: Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your lips hydrated and healthy.

Treating Sun Damaged Lips If you have already suffered the consequences of sun-damaged lips, don’t worry, there are lots of treatments available to help you get your lips back to normal.

Moisturize: One of the most important things you can do is to keep your lips moisturized. This can be done with lip balm, petroleum jelly, or even coconut oil.