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Chapped Lips: 5 Causes and Solutions
02.12.2024 02:40
Chapped lips are a nuisance that we often have to deal with in the autumn and winter.
According to experts, lips are prone to dryness because they have a relatively low density of sebaceous glands compared to other parts of the body.
Environment
Dermatologists note that there are many external factors that can contribute to dry and chapped lips - dry air, cold wind, lack of vitamins, etc.
Solution: Use a good lip balm. The main solution to dry lips is to moisturize and protect them. Choose a product that moisturizes the skin and does not contain harsh or drying ingredients.
Exposure to UV radiation
A dermatologist explains that sun exposure of the lips without sunscreen can lead to a condition known as actinic cheilitis, a precancerous lesion that appears as dry, scaly, and sometimes crusty lips.
Solution: Give your lips the sun protection they deserve by using a lip balm with sun protection. It’s important to remember to apply the product before going outside, even during the winter months, and to reapply every few hours.
Frequent licking of lips
People who lick their lips frequently should know one thing: saliva can contribute to permanent dry lips. They often come into contact with our saliva, which contains the digestive enzyme alpha-amyl, which breaks down the skin. This is one of the reasons why licking your lips is not an effective way to moisturize them.
Solution: Don't lick your lips. Dermatologists say that regularly using a good lip balm will help keep your lips soft and moisturized, reducing the urge to constantly lick them.
Irritating Ingredients
Some lipsticks, glosses and balms contain ingredients that dry out your lips.
Dermatologists recommend looking for ingredients like menthol, phenol, and camphor, which are added to create a plumping or cooling effect. These are ideal if you want to make your lips smoother or fuller in the short term, but know that they are not the best choice if you suffer from dry lips.
Solution: If your lip products contain potentially drying ingredients, it's best to stop using them.
Lack of vitamins
The dermatologist notes that for some people, chapped lips may be caused by a lack of vitamins, for example, a lack of zinc can lead to dryness and cracking.
Solution: If you think that a vitamin deficiency is to blame, try changing your diet, eat more vegetables and fruits.
For reference
The labia minora are paired horizontal folds of skin and muscle that surround the entrance to the oral cavity on the face of humans and some animal species.
