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While basking outdoors we usually protect our facial skin and other exposed areas from the harsh rays of the sun. However, we tend to overlook the importance of protecting our lips from sunlight. As a result the lips get sunburned. The sunburned lips become dry and sore and they crack and peel off easily. In the worse case, they become red and inflamed and blisters develop on the lips. Sunburned lips are quite painful and need immediate attention to minimize risk of other problems. Luckily there are a number of easy home remedies that help in providing quick relief from the pain and discomfort caused by sunburn. They help soothe the sore lips and hydrate them. With appropriate care, your lips will once again become soft and luscious.
Here Are Some Of The Easy Home Remedies For Sunburned Lips:
1. Cool Milk And Water Compress
When your lips get sunburned, apply a cool milk and water compress to the lips. The cool compress helps in dissipating the heat. Milk contains lactic acid that helps in breaking down the dead skin. The milk protein and fat hydrate the sore dry lips and assist in healing the damaged tissues. Mix chilled milk and cold water in equal proportions. Dip a clean washcloth in the cold mixture and apply it to the lips. Apply the cool compress several times a day (1).
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a wonderful moisturizer for the lips. It helps in soothing the sunburned lips. However, for better result, make coconut oil balm. To make the lip balm you will need two teaspoons of coconut oil, one teaspoon of castor oil and two teaspoons of grated beeswax. Put the coconut oil and beeswax in the inner pan of a double boiler. Melt and combine the beeswax and coconut oil. Remove the pan from the heat and add castor oil. Stir well to mix the ingredients. Pour the mixture in a clean dry jar and allow it to cool. Apply a small amount of the balm to the burned lips (2).
3. Tea
Tea contains tannin that helps in drawing out the heat and helps in reducing the pain and discomfort. To cool and soothe the sunburned lips, dab a cool wet tea bag on the lips. Alternatively, brew a strong tea, allow it to cool and then apply cool compress to the lips (3).
4. Olive Oil
In case of mild sunburn, applying a small amount on olive oil helps in reducing the pain. Furthermore, olive oil moisturizes the lips and helps in minimizing the painful peeling of the sunburned skin. Combine olive oil with equal amount of water and apply to the sunburned lips. Apply the mixture several times a day (4).
5. Tomato
For fast relief from sunburn, slice a tomato and press the juicy portion on the sunburned lips. This helps in alleviating the burning sensation. Lycopene, the antioxidant present in tomato, helps in diminishing the harmful effect of sunburn (5).
6. Honey
Honey is an effective natural remedy for sunburn. Take some raw honey and mix it with small amount of water. Spread the honey on your sunburned lips. Honey is natural humectant. It draws moisture from the air and keeps the lips moist. It soothes the lips and helps reduce discomfort. Furthermore, it is known for its antiseptic property that helps in minimizing risk of the blisters getting infected. Applying honey to the sunburned lips promotes faster healing (6).
