Home Treatment for Sun Damaged Lips

We all know the damage sun can cause to the skin, but we often forget our lips are not immune from the sun's harmful rays. Regular use of a lip balm that contains a hefty sunblock is the best way to prevent it, but it may already be too late. If your lips are already chapped, dry, cracking or otherwise damaged from the sun, there are several home remedies you can use to alleviate the situation---and the pain.

Water

• One of the easiest ways to stay hydrated, and repair moisture loss to sun-damaged lips, is to drink lots of water. Folks should drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day. If water is just too bland for you, try squeezing a bit of lemon into it to juice up the taste. You can also get relief for your sun damaged lips by soaking them with a cool, wet cloth. Repeat several times a day until the lips become less irritated.

Salt

• While it may seem salt would dry out and irritate damaged lips, it can actually be a help if used correctly. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 6 ounces of warm water and give your lips a saline bath. Make sure the salt is fully dissolved and either soak your lips with a washcloth drenched in the saline solution or use a small cup so you can dip and swish your lips directly into the solution.

Exfoliation

• Removing the dead skin from the lips helps insure the healthy skin can repair itself. You can gently exfoliate dry and damaged skin by buffing your lips with a dry, soft toothbrush. A gentle circular motion with a dry, soft washcloth will also do the trick. When dead cells are left on the lips' surface, it will only lead to more cells drying out and flaking off.

Foodstuff

• Several food items can be used as a healing agent for sun-damaged lips. Apply a light coat of a heavy cream before you go to sleep. Make sure the cream is made of clarified butter or milk for the best results. Repeat for several days until the lips have healed. Cucumber slices are another remedy for chapped, damaged lips. Rub a slice across your lips a few times a day until healing is complete.

Supplements

• Damaged lips will not heal properly unless you have a proper amount of vitamins, minerals and other essential elements in your diet. Those most important for skin and lip repair are vitamins A and B, fatty acids and iron. A multivitamin and mineral supplement can be taken internally, while a vitamin E capsule can be cut open with a razor blade and the inner gel applied directly to the lips. Do this at night so it has time to absorb. Eating enough fruits, vegetables and foods with all the essential elements you need will also do the trick. Mix up a quick juice made of 1 tablespoon each of spinach juice, carrot juice, water cress juice and nutritional yeast. Add 2 tablespoons of wheat germ oil and 8 ounces of tomato juice.