**San Diego Sun: Beach Air Burning Baby Lips?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe sting of sunburned lips is a uniquely San Diegan experience. One minute you’re shredding waves at La Jolla Shores, the next, your lips feel like they’ve been kissed by a dragon. It’s a painful reminder that even in paradise, the sun doesn’t play favorites.
This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about protecting your health. Lip skin is thin and vulnerable, making it highly susceptible to sun damage, including skin cancer. So, let’s ditch the generic advice and dive into a San Diego-specific guide to preventing and treating sunburnt lips.
First, let’s talk about recognizing the enemy. Early signs of sun damage on your lips aren’t always obvious. You might notice a slight tingling, dryness, or unusual redness. Don’t ignore these subtle cues! They’re your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I need some shade!” More advanced sunburn presents as painful swelling, blisters, and peeling.
Now, for the prevention playbook. Sunscreen lip balm is your best friend, but not all balms are created equal. Look for broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or higher. For surfers tackling the waves at Black’s Beach, consider a water-resistant formula. Brands like Sun Bum and Thinksport, readily available at local surf shops like Mitch’s Surf Shop in Pacific Beach, offer excellent options. If you’re hiking Torrey Pines, a balm with added moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil will combat the dry air.
Reapplication is key. Don’t just slap it on once in the morning and forget about it. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Think of it like this: every time you see a lifeguard tower, reapply your lip balm.
Let’s get practical with DIY remedies. San Diego’s farmers’ markets are treasure troves of soothing ingredients. Aloe vera, readily available at the Little Italy Mercato, is a sunburn superhero. Apply the gel directly to your lips for instant relief. Honey, another farmers’ market staple, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. A thin layer of honey can help heal damaged skin.
Coconut oil, easily found at any grocery store from Ocean Beach to Chula Vista, is a fantastic moisturizer. Apply it liberally to keep your lips hydrated. Avoid using petroleum-based products like Vaseline on sunburned lips. They can trap heat and worsen the burn.
What about when things go south? If your sunburn is severe, with blistering, intense pain, or signs of infection (pus, fever), it’s time to seek professional help. San Diego has some excellent dermatologists. Dr. Amanda Lloyd at Skin & Vein Institute in Encinitas is a highly regarded option. Dr. Melanie Palm at Art of Skin MD in Solana Beach is another excellent choice. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
A common mistake is picking at peeling skin. Resist the urge! This can lead to infection and scarring. Instead, gently exfoliate with a soft toothbrush and apply a thick layer of moisturizer.
Another pitfall is forgetting about the sun’s reflection. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can bounce off sand and water, increasing your risk of sunburn. Don’t let the marine layer fool you!
Here’s a specific scenario: You’re spending the day at Balboa Park, exploring the museums and gardens. You might think you’re safe from the sun under the trees, but that’s not entirely true. UV rays can still penetrate through the foliage. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and reapply your lip balm frequently.
Let’s talk about specific products you can find locally. CVS and Walgreens stores throughout San Diego carry a wide range of SPF lip balms. Look for brands like Aquaphor Lip Repair with SPF 30 or Blistex Medicated Lip Balm with SPF 15. These are affordable and readily available options.
For those seeking a more natural approach, check out local health food stores like Jimbo’s…Naturally! They often carry organic and mineral-based sunscreens, including lip balms.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Make SPF lip balm a part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth. Keep one in your car, one in your beach bag, and one in your hiking backpack.
Don’t underestimate the power of shade. Seek shelter under umbrellas, trees, or buildings during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm).
Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin healthy and resilient.
Sunburnt lips are a preventable problem. By taking these simple steps, you can enjoy all that San Diego has to offer without the pain and discomfort of sun damage. So, go out there, soak up the sun (responsibly!), and keep those lips protected.