The skin on the lips is so thin that there is a greater risk of sunburn. However, it is an area that we often forget to protect. What symptoms? How to relieve a burn? Biafine?
Is it possible to have a sunburn on the lips?
“It is quite possible to get a sunburn on the lips because they are just as exposed as the rest of the face. The skin therein is much finerit contains very little melanin and is therefore more sensitive, says Dr. Paul Dupont. This phenomenon is moreover much more frequent than we think.
What are the symptoms of sunburn on the lips?
Unlike the skin which tends to redden under the effect of the sun, the lips as for them will rather dry out, crack and dehydrate. If the sunburn is more severe, they may start to swell. “On the other hand, it is rare for the formation a blister which would be the sign of a real burn. A few days later, the lips may begin to peel, a sign of the elimination of dead skin“, reassures the dermatologist.
First step to treat a sunburn on the lips, hydration. It is necessary to use a natural moisturizer without synthetic ingredients and avoid anything gel-based which could further dehydrate the lips. Doctor Paul Dupont advises the cerat eczebio calmformulated with Japanese lily of the valley, which is very moisturizing and in case of burns, a sun topical based on St. John’s wort to wear in the evening. It is also possible to apply a compress soaked in cold water on the lips to reduce swelling and aloe vera to soothe pain.
Can we put Biafine?
It is quite possible toapply Biafine in a thick layer on the lips. But be careful not to ingest it!
To prevent the appearance of sunburn on the lips, you can apply SPF 30 sunscreen which will protect against UVB; this screen must also be anti-UVA with a minimum protection of 15 to 16. Avoid applying a screen based on chemical filters, or which contains titanium nanoparticles. “Indeed, when you eat, you swallow these products applied to the lips. However, these are often endocrine disruptors or even perhaps carcinogens”, details the specialist. Instead, the dermatologist recommends Oemine SPF 30 organic sunscreen with micronized zinc.
Thanks to Dr Paul Dupont, dermatologist and author of Healing your skin naturally, published by Eyrolles