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Introduction: The Tiny Problem That Feels Huge for dry lips
There is a moment that happens to almost everyone. You are about to apply the perfect lipstick to your beautiful lips, lean in for the perfect camera angle, or simply show your big smile to a loved one when you realize you have a horrifying dryness on your lips. The tightness, the roughness, the painful crack that opens when you stretch your lips to apply foundation or a smile – all of this is reflected in the mirror as cracked and dry lips ruining your moment.
Dry lips are one of those annoying things that seem impossible to get rid of. It can turn a bold red lip into a grayish colour and make everyday activities such as a simple conversation painful due to the uncomfortable crack. They can also make you self-conscious, leading you to constantly reapply lip balm or even hide behind a hot cup of coffee.
The lips are one of the most sensitive parts of the body. Their skin is much thinner than the skin on the rest of the face and lacks moisture-sealing glands, leaving them extremely vulnerable to external elements. They require special care that most people don’t have time or knowledge to give them, leaving dryness as one of the most common problems.
The good news is that dry lips are not something impossible to deal with. This article will give you all the information about the causes of dry lips and the proper ways of treating them. It will also give you insight on what ingredients to avoid and what you can do to maintain perfectly hydrated lips no matter the season.
Why Are Your Lips So Prone to Drying Out?
Before discussing the causes of dry lips, it is important to note why your lips are so sensitive in the first place. The lips have some distinctive characteristics that make them drier and more sensitive compared to the skin on the rest of the body.
The lips’ skin is about 3-5 thin layers of skin, while the skin on the face can have up to 16 thin layers. The lips also do not have oil glands like the rest of the face and body, which leaves them unable to produce moisture. Another interesting fact is that the lips are the only part of the body that does not have melanin, which protects them from sun damage and makes it easy for them to burn.
Lastly, the lips are constantly moving, making it difficult for them to retain moisture. Speaking, eating, smiling, kissing – all of these activities involve the movement of the lips, stretching them numerous times per day.
The Real Causes of Dry Lips
There are several reasons why your lips can become dry and cracked. In most cases, the reason is different for everyone due to the unique care routine and environmental factors each person is exposed to. Here are some of the most common causes of dry lips.
The Weather and Environment
The weather is one of the most obvious reasons behind dry lips. During the winter season, the cold and dry air outside and the warm and dry air inside can strip the lips of their moisture. The same applies to the summer season, although the heat and wind tend to dry them out as well
Licking the Lips
Licking the lips is one of those things that seems harmless but, in reality, can be incredibly harmful to their health. Saliva has a drying effect on the lips and contains enzymes that break down their delicate skin. Once the lips begin to chap, they will most likely start to itch, which will cause a vicious cycle of licking and dryness.
Dehydration
When your body is lacking water, the first place where it takes it from is your lips. This is why they can feel especially tight and dry. In cases like this, drinking more water per day can significantly reduce dryness
Mouth Breathing
When a person breathes through their mouth, especially during sleep, their lips are exposed to constant dry air which can cause them to chap
Allergic Reactions
An allergic reaction is another common reason for developing dry lips. There are many ingredients in various products, including lip balms, toothpaste, and even food, that can irritate the lips and cause dryness and discomfort
Medications
Sometimes, the cause of dry lips can be a medication that a person is taking. This is especially common in people who take acne treatments, antihistamines, antidepressants, birth control pills, blood pressure medications, diuretics, chemotherapy, and lithium
Deficiency of Vitamins
Dry lips can also be a sign of a deficiency of certain vitamins, such as B12, zinc, iron, and vitamin B2. This is especially evident in the form of cracks at the corners of the lips
Underlying Health Conditions
Many health issues can cause dryness and damage to the lips, including diabetes, thyroid problems, autoimmune diseases, and poor nutrition
The Worst Things You Do to Your Dry Lips
Most people are their own worst enemies when it comes to dealing with dry lips. Luckily, here are some of the things you can stop doing right now.
• Picking or peeling off the dry skin. This can be very tempting when the lips get really dry, but doing so can tear off the healthy skin with the dry part, causing painful open sores.
• Using flavored or scented balms. Saliva-neutralizing flavors in balms, such as vanilla, cinnamon, or mint, are usually very irritating to the lips.
• Applying lip balm with dirty hands. Dirty hands introduce bacteria to the lips, which can lead to infections.
• Applying balms with menthol, camphor, or phenol. These ingredients can cause a cooling sensation but are extremely drying.
• Sleeping with matte lipstick. As it is supposed to keep the lips from getting dry all night, sleeping with it causes the opposite effect, making them even drier than before.
• Not using sunscreen. Similar to the skin on the rest of the body, the lips can also burn under the sun, causing dryness and damage
Proven Remedies: How to Get Rid of Dry Lips and to get kssable lips overnight.
Now that you know the primary reasons behind dry lips, here are the proven ways of getting rid of them. The following methods are recommended by dermatologists, estheticians, and other professionals in the industry.
Gentle Exfoliation
The lips need exfoliation just as much as the rest of the face. This way, the dead cells are removed, making the lip balm more effective. Here are two gentle methods to exfoliate the lips.
Honey-Sugar Scrub
Take 1 teaspoon of raw honey and mix it with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. Massaging this mixture in circular motions for 30 seconds on the lips and rinsing it off afterward should be sufficient. Do this no more than twice a week, as it can leave the lips too dry if overdone.
Toothbrush Method
Dampening a soft toothbrush or a clean washcloth and using it to gently buff the lips for 20 seconds is another efficient method of exfoliating them
The Overnight Occlusion Trick
This trick is the most popular among estheticians and is guaranteed to hydrate the lips overnight. The occlusion process involves locking in the moisture with an occlusive substance to prevent moisture loss.
How to Do It
1. At night, dampen the lips and apply a hydrating serum or gel (such as hyaluronic acid).
2. Seal the moisture with an occlusive balm or balm with moisturizing oils.
3. Wake up with incredibly soft and hydrated lips in the morning
The Best Ingredients for Moisturizing Balms
There are a handful of ingredients that every good lip balm has, including emollients, humectants, and occlusives. Here is a brief description of each category and why it is useful for the lips.
Emollients
This category includes shea butter, cocoa butter, plant oils, and squalane, and it is needed to help soften the lips.
Humectants
They are necessary to attract moisture to the lips, and glycerin, honey, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid are the most common examples of this ingredient.
Occlusives
They are included to lock the moisture in, and petrolatum, shea butter, wax, lanolin, and dimethicone are the key ingredients for this category
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the best natural remedies for dry and chapped lips, as it not only deeply moisturizes the lips but also fights harmful bacteria
Honey
Honey is another natural ingredient that helps treat dry lips and heal damaged skin. It is best applied in the morning because it has antibacterial properties that protect the lips from infections and irritations throughout the day
Aloe Vera
Hyaluronic acid is the main element in aloe vera, which is why it is so beneficial for treating dry lips. It deeply moisturizes and repairs the skin, leaving no irritation
Cucumber Slices
Cucumber is mostly water, and it contains vitamins that help relieve irritation and hydrate the skin. Putting a cool cucumber slice on the lips for a few seconds helps alleviate discomfort.
Green Tea Bags
Putting a cooled-down green tea bag on the lips for 5 minutes is a great way to soothe them because of the vitamins and antioxidants that promote skin repair
A Simple Lip Care Routine
Here is a simple lip care routine that anyone can follow to keep their lips healthy and moisturized.
Morning
1. Gently wipe the lips with a damp washcloth to remove the dryness
2. Apply a balm with some SPF to prevent sun damage
3. Reapply the balm after eating
Throughout the Day
1. Stop licking your lips and use a lip balm when they feel dry instead
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
3. Use a humidifier if you are often in a dry environment
Evening
1. Gently exfoliate the lips if they feel dry or flaky
2. Apply a hydrating serum or gel to the lips after washing them
3. Seal the moisture with a thick layer of balm or a moisturizing cream
4. Use a humidifier while sleeping during the winter season
When to See a Doctor
Most cases of dry lips can be treated at home using the methods and remedies mentioned above. Still, there are some symptoms that indicate that a dermatologist should be visited instead.
A dermatologist must be seen in any of the following cases:
• The lips are severely cracked and painful for longer than two weeks
• There are signs of thickening, hardening, or white patches on the skin of the lips
• The lips are constantly dry and unmoisturized despite all the treatments
• Cracks appear at the corner of the lips repeatedly
• There are sores or cracks that refuse to heal
• The lips are dry due to an allergic reaction
In rare cases, dry lips can be an indicator of skin cancer, especially if it occurs on the lower part of the lip. Therefore, if there is a sore that does not want to heal, it should be checked by a professional
FAQs
Why are my lips always dry even though I drink water?
Drinking water is essential for keeping the lips hydrated, but there are other factors that affect their condition. Some people, for example, often lick their lips or breathe through their mouths, which makes them significantly drier. Another common reason is using products that are harmful to the lips or staying in an environment that is too dry. Lastly, there could be an underlying medical condition that causes the dryness
Is Vaseline good for dry lips?
Petrolatum, or Vaseline, is the main ingredient in Vaseline balm, and it is an excellent occlusive for locking in the moisture. However, the balm itself does not provide any hydration, so it should be mixed with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or another moisturizing substance. Simply applying it on already dry lips will not heal them
Can lipstick cause dry lips?
Lipstick can be incredibly drying due to the ingredients that it contains, such as alcohol and pigment. This is especially evident in long-lasting, liquid formulas that usually stay on the lips for a long time while locking in the moisture. If a person wants to use lipstick, they should opt for a hydrating balm before applying it, choose a creamy or satin finish, and make sure to remove it before bedtime
How often should I apply lip balm?
A person should apply lip balm as often as necessary, preferably in the morning and before going to bed. It should also be reapplied after eating or drinking since the lips tend to dry faster after these activities. However, if someone tends to apply it excessively throughout the day, it may be a sign that the product irritates the lips
Can I use a face cream on my lips?
It is not recommended to use a regular moisturizer on the lips for several reasons. First of all, they are not meant for use on sensitive areas and can cause irritation. Additionally, they lack the required occlusives to lock the moisture in
What is the fastest way to get rid of severely dry lips?
One of the fastest ways to significantly improve the condition of severely dry and chapped lips is the overnight occlusion method. It involves gently exfoliating the lips and applying a hydrating balm, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid before sealing the moisture with a thick occlusive balm and a sleeping with a humidifier
Are natural lip balms and remedies the best option for dry lips?
Natural remedies and balms are not necessarily better than the commercial ones, as sometimes they contain harmful ingredients, such as essential oils, citrus, and menthol. It all depends on the formulation and the specific needs of the lips
Why do my lips always peel?
The lips tend to peel when they are damaged, so peeling is usually a sign of irritation, a harsh product, or an allergic reaction. If they are constantly peeling, it is best to avoid using any harsh scrubs and opt for gentle exfoliation instead. In addition, it is crucial to determine what causes it and consult a dermatologist if necessary
Conclusion: Soft Lips Are a Habit, Not a Product
To sum up, there is no magical balm that will heal the lips and leave them perfectly moisturized forever. In order to maintain beautiful and healthy lips, it is essential to develop the proper routine that involves lip exfoliation, the right product application, and lip protection from external factors
Remember not to lick your lips, as saliva is extremely drying. Stop picking at the dry parts of your lips and put an end to the constant irritation. Instead, opt for balms with hydrating ingredients and protect your lips with a balm that has an SPF in it. Lastly, don’t forget to moisturize your lips overnight, as this is one of the most important steps in any lip care routine and has a significant effect on the overall condition of the lips
The lips are incredibly sensitive because their skin is thinner than the skin on the rest of the face and lacks moisture-sealing glands. This makes them more challenging to take care of, but it also means that they respond well to the right treatment. All it takes is a week of proper lip care, and you will see a noticeable difference, as the irritation will subside, and the dryness will be gone
Lips frame the face and show emotion through words, smiles, and kisses. Taking care of them should be a priority in anyone’s beauty and skincare routine. You deserve to have beautifully healthy lips, so start incorporating the tips and tricks mentioned in this article into your daily life and enjoy the softness and comfort that well-cared-for lips bring for years to come
What is your go-to remedy for dry lips? Have you found the holy grail of treatment masks/lip balms? Share your thoughts in the comments below!