The visibility of your lips renders them more susceptible to the elements than other parts of your skin. Vulnerable to damage from the sun, wind and other environmental conditions, your lips need a heightened level of protection and care to stay beautiful. Moreover, your lips are sensitive, with skin thinner than that on the rest of your face.
However, lips that have been damaged from the elements, such as the sun, can benefit from at-home care to repair, heal and keep them in prime condition.
Signs of Sun-Damaged Lips
In the short term, signs of sun-damaged lips are those that are pink or reddened, swollen or blistered. Sunburned lips can feel painful, sensitive and warm to the touch.
Long-term damage from excessive sun includes wrinkling on the lips and around the mouth and a permanent pursed look that is far from attractive. Additionally, excessive sun exposure increases the risk of lip cancer.
Vitamin E and Aloe
Particularly effective for sunburned and sun-damaged lips is the application of fresh aloe. The flesh and juice of fresh aloe is highly therapeutic when it comes to soothing and healing the skin.
Cut off a 1-inch piece of the plant, open it along the side and remove the flesh and juice with a small spatula. Apply it to your lips for 1 or 2 minutes, then rinse off. Do not let the aloe dry on your lips, since it becomes astringent when it does.
Additionally, use vitamin E topically to moisturize and heal sun-damaged lips. Do not, however, apply vitamin E or other oil-based products to freshly burned skin. Spread the contents of a vitamin E capsule on your lips, making sure a sufficient amount is absorbed. Look for natural vitamin E, labeled as d-alpha tocopherol or d-alpha tocopheryl acetate, versus the synthetic version.
Massage and Exfoliate
In addition to the application of healing treatments, maintain the beauty of your lips with regular care. When applying lip balm, moisturizer or vitamin E to yours lips, massage the product into your skin with light strokes. As needed, slough off dead skin cells from your lips. This exfoliation can be done via the use of a mild scrub or with a washcloth, loofah or the bristles of an extra-soft toothbrush.
Nutrition and Hydration
The healing of your lips can also be enhanced and sustained by increasing the overall health of your body. A body that lacks iron, for instance, is reflected in pale lips.
Seek to improve the state of your health by consistently consuming a varied and nutritious diet of fresh, minimally processed foods. Also, intake an adequate amount of fluid on a daily basis. A dehydrated system is evident in dry, chapped lips.
If needed, supplement your diet with a daily multivitamin and mineral formula. Look for a supplement rich in skin-friendly antioxidants vitamins A, E and C.
Preventive Lip Care
When it comes to treating and healing sun-damaged lips, the best remedy is your ongoing care and protection of this very visible part of your appearance. Treat your lips with the care you use for the rest of your face, such as:
*Use of a high-SPF sunblock daily, either in the form of lip balm or sunblock formulated for the face. Keep it with you and reapply to your lips throughout the day as needed.
*Use of a rich, quality moisturizer that is massaged into the lips nightly.
*Being conscious of your lip movements, such as persistent clenching or tensing, which can speed the onset of wrinkles. Notice, for example, the pronounced lines along the upper lip of a longtime cigarette user due to the repetitious pursing movements made while smoking.
References
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E Fact Sheet
- "Earl Mindell's New Vitamin Bible"; Earl Mindell and Hester Mundis; 2004
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Aloe Vera
