Can Aquaphor Cause Lip Sunburns? We Asked Experts

“I woke up every morning for four days and I had to freeze my lips, take Benadryl and drink a lot of liquid so that the swelling drops only a little. My lips have peeled for more than a week and praised and bleed, and I had to use steroid cream on my lips to heal faster. ”

Wilburn said it was “extremely embarrassing” to walk in the impression of having a sloppy lip filling or an aesthetic procedure.

Although Wilburn said it might have had the impression of having “free lip injections”, she would not recommend that people carry an aquaphore in the sun.

Because the Internet goes on the Internet, however, some people on the social platform are already published by applying Aquaphor in the hope of reaching a lip pout with full lips without folders or injections.

The research “Sunburn Aquaphor” 2.1 billion views on TiktokSome users commenting on how they are looking forward to trying the trend for themselves on their next trip to the beach.

“It’s my sign to wear an aquaphore in the sun ☝️,” said a user on the post. “Thank you, I will try,” said another.

However, dermatologists warn users of the risk of damage caused by the sun. An Aquaphor spokesperson also told Buzzfeed News on brand reflections on the Tiktok trend.

“We only encourage the use of the aquaphore as indicated on the label and in its main objective, which is to hydrate the lips and provide lasting humidity,” said Leslie Kickham, external communications manager at Beiersdorf, the company owner of Aquaphor. “People who follow Tiktok’s trends and the application of the Aquaphore in an unprecedented manner should not do so.”

The company recommends that people use a specific product that it manufactures, Aquaphor Lip Protector + SuncreenIf they want to be in the sun.

Here’s what you need to know about the aquaphore, sunburns, and why you shouldn’t apply this on purpose to plump your lips in the sun.

Why do some products cause sunburn on their lips?

First of all, we must emphasize that there is nothing special in Aquaphor in this case. The application of any oil -based product, such as petroleum jelly, to your lips before spending time in the sun can cause sunburn because the products do not contain SPF, which protects against UV rays.

Although oil and oil products are perfect for locking humidity Dry and crisp lips – Dermatologists have warned of the use of products in the sun and told us to opt for a SPF lip balm. On other parts of the body that produce sweat, oil or oil products can block pores and trap sweat.

“It seems that some people deliberately apply oil -based products to their lips to enlarge them. It is incredibly imprudent,” said Ranella Hirsch, a certified dermatologist from the Board of Directors based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “Since a key element of this hack is to cause a sunburn, you put yourself directly for hyperpigmentation, pain, infection and skin cancer.”

Lips are a combination of muscle and connective tissue and are Automatically positioned to be exposed to the sun Just like the rest of your face. As a result, a sunburn can be manifested because the immune system tries to protect the body from damage induced by UV rays.

Since lips are a different type of fabric (mucous fabric, which is a soft fabric), Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, member of the American Academy of Dermatology, told Buzzfeed News, there are specific risks of use of oil and oil products on thinner and more sensitive skin.

“Lipcare with SPF protects against sun damage, but products with petroleum such as aquaphore or petroleum jelly puts you in danger for a sunburn because they do not have a photoprotection or SPF,” said Houshmand. “This is why you see the swelling, redness and widening of the lips and even the formation of blisters with excessive exposure to the sun. Similar to the application of baby oil on the skin and to obtaining a sunburn.”

Compared to other parts of the body which generally have 15 to 16 layers of skin, the lips are made up of Three to four layersOne of the thinnest layers of the body. This means that our lips do not have a protective layer like the rest of our skin.

The 10 to 30 upper layers of skin are called the corneal stratum, where cells are a little more difficult And ready to fight against the sun’s radiation. In addition, the sebaceous glands or the sweat glands, are not found on the lips As they are in other regions of the body. Perspiration controls body temperature and serves as a first layer of Defense of environmental factors.

Consequently, chronic sun exposure can cause precancerous lesion, actinic cheilitis, also known as sailor lipwhich is often formed on the lower lip. The lesion can be transformed into an epidermoid carcinoma, a common shape of skin cancer.

Although the majority of epidermoid carcinomas are successfully treated, lesions can Become disfiguring, dangerous and mortal.

Epidermoid carcinomas are generally not as capable of spreading as certain types of skin cancer, but when they form on the lips, they are 11 times more likely to metastate than those that develop elsewhere on the body. (There is also a risk of Basal carcinoma of cells appearing on the upper lip.)

With around 1.8 million cases of epidermoid carcinoma diagnosed each year in the United States – and an increase of 200% in the last three decades – it is important to practice solar safety, including the application of SPF, wearing protective clothing and avoiding tanning.

Symptoms of lips burned by the sun

Swelling, redness, peeling and blisters are all signs of a sunburn on the lips, said Houshmand.

“”Risks have a decrease in the skin barrier signifying the irritation of the drought, dehydrated lips and extreme excessive temperatures, “said Houshmand.” The application of petrol and the sun exit can cause a burn that causes swelling of the lip expansion. This is called “instant filling”. It is a sunburn and sun damage. »»

A sunburn can arise in different ways. The skin on the lips can feel hot and inflate as Increases in blood flow and immune cells reach the affected area.

“The application of a sunscreen is just as important as applying it to other areas of your body,” said Hirsch. “Since the skin on the lips is the most sensitive part, sun damage can be a significant risk factor to develop skin cancer.”

Here’s what you can do to help swell

It is important to avoid oil and oil products in the sun, and experts told Buzzfeed News, it could also be harmful to apply After A sunburn too.

“If you have a slight sunburn, use a fresh compress on your lips to help you swell and reduce heat in your lips. With a sunburn, use no lip products with petroleum; this will keep heat and prolong the burn and symptoms,” said Houshmand. “Taking an anti-inflammatory can be useful.”

Like other parts of the body, adding an additional step to your routine can reduce your risk of skin cancer.

A large sunscreen that Protects UVA and UVB raysOr has a SPF of 15 or more on all exposed skin can prevent skin cancer. In addition, find a chapstick with a SPF 15 or more can protect against sun damage.

“The objective is cooling and pain relief,” said Hirsch. Staying hydrated, avoid an additional sun, gently apply a cold compress soaked in whole milk, take an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen or Tylenol, and stay away from spicy foods can be useful.

If your skin takes off, Hirsch has also added that it was of crucial importance not to “help” it by peeling off the skin on the lips. In addition, if the blisters appear, do not burst them.

“They work as a biological dressing,” said Hirsch. “Interfere with them, as desired or bursting increases the risk of developing an infection.”

“Learn experience and always apply and reappear a sunscreen to the lips,” said Hirsch.