Sunburned lips can be incredibly uncomfortable — not only do they sting and burn, but they can also lead to swelling, peeling, and even painful blisters. Because the skin on your lips is thinner than the rest of your face, it’s more vulnerable to UV damage, making sunburn to lips a common but often overlooked problem. In this guide, we’ll explore effective treatment for sunburned lips, what to do if you develop a sun blister on lips, and how to prevent future damage.
We’ll also touch on related issues like sunburn to the scalp and overall skin sunburn treatment, linking you to more in-depth guides for those concerns.
Recognising Sunburn to Lips
Sunburned lips don’t always appear immediately. Symptoms can develop over several hours and include:
- Redness and swelling
- Dryness or cracking
- Pain or tenderness
- Small blisters (a sun blister on lips)
- Peeling after a few days
If you’re unsure whether you have sunburned lips, online searches for sunburned lips images can help you compare your symptoms — but if the pain is severe or blisters are extensive, it’s always best to seek medical advice.
First Steps for Treatment for Sunburned Lips
When you notice sunburn to lips, acting quickly can help minimise discomfort and prevent further damage.
- Get out of the sun immediately: Further UV exposure will worsen the burn and increase the risk of long-term damage. Move into shade or indoors.
- Cool the area: Apply a cold compress or hold an ice cube wrapped in a clean cloth to your lips for 5–10 minutes at a time. This helps soothe heat and reduce swelling.
- Keep lips moisturised: Use a fragrance-free lip balm or ointment containing soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, or petroleum jelly. Avoid anything with menthol or camphor, as these can irritate burned skin.
Healing a Sun Blister on Lips
A sun blister on lips occurs when UV damage causes fluid-filled bubbles to form under the skin. They can be painful and tempting to pop, but this should be avoided.
Why you shouldn’t pop them:
- Popping a sun blister on lips can increase the risk of infection, slow down healing, and leave you with more noticeable scarring.
How to care for blisters:
- Keep the area clean and moisturised
- Avoid acidic or spicy foods that can sting
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and aid healing
- Protect your lips from further sun exposure using a high-SPF lip balm once the skin is no longer broken
Home Remedies and Aftercare
Once the initial pain eases, you can focus on helping your lips heal fully. Popular at-home approaches for treatment for sunburned lips include:
- Aloe vera gel: Naturally cooling and soothing, it can help reduce redness and inflammation.
- Honey: A natural humectant and antimicrobial that keeps lips hydrated while protecting against infection.
- Coconut oil: Moisturising and gentle, helping to prevent peeling and dryness.
- Avoid exfoliating or picking at peeling skin: Allow it to shed naturally.
Medical Treatment for Severe Sunburned Lips
If symptoms are severe, or if you notice signs of infection (such as pus, increased redness, or worsening pain), you may need medical attention. A doctor may prescribe:
- Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and pain
- Special medicated ointments for infection prevention
- Professional advice on how to prevent further UV damage and long-term complications
Preventing Future Sunburn to Lips
While treatment for sunburned lips can ease discomfort, prevention is the most effective approach.
- Use SPF lip balm daily: Choose a broad-spectrum lip balm with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours — more often if eating or drinking.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat: Shading your face reduces UV exposure to your lips, nose, and scalp.
- Be sun-safe year-round: Even on cloudy or cold days, UV rays can damage your lips. Make SPF part of your daily routine.
When Sunburn Extends Beyond the Lips
If your sunburn also affects surrounding areas, such as the face or scalp, you may need broader aftercare. We’ve written a detailed guide, Treatments for Sunburn: How to Heal & Protect Skin, which covers cooling methods, hydration tips, and healing products for larger areas.
Similarly, if you’re experiencing a burnt or tender scalp, see our blog on treating a sunburned scalp for targeted advice.
How Long Does Healing Take?
Mild sunburn to lips usually heals within 3–5 days, while more severe cases — especially those involving blisters — can take up to a week or more. During this time:
- Keep lips protected and moisturised
- Avoid direct sunlight without SPF
- Be patient — your lips will heal more quickly if left undisturbed
Final Thoughts
The best treatment for sunburned lips starts with swift action — cooling, hydrating, and protecting the area. While it’s tempting to ignore lip protection compared to other parts of the body, sunburn to lips can be both painful and damaging in the long term. Whether you’re dealing with mild redness, a stubborn sun blister on lips, or simply want to avoid this discomfort altogether, prevention is key.
And remember, if you’re also dealing with sunburn elsewhere on the body or scalp, check our linked resources for more targeted advice.