Chapped lips occur when the skin on your lips becomes dry and cracked, which can be caused by cold or dry weather, sun exposure, or frequently licking your lips. To prevent and treat chapped lips, dermatologists recommend using non-irritating lip balm, lipstick, and other products that you apply to your lips. However, its important to avoid lip products that contain ingredients that can further irritate your lips, such as camphor, salicylic acid, menthol, and alcohol. Instead, look for lip balms with ingredients that can help heal chapped lips, such as petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin, honey, castor seed oil, shea butter, beeswax, and ceramides. Its also recommended to use products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
Here are some positive and negative aspects of using lip balm for chapped lips:
Positive:
- Moisturizes and soothes dry, cracked lips
- Can help heal chapped lips more quickly
- Can give lips a plumper, softer, and glossy look
- Some lip balms contain SPF protection that shields your lips from sun damage
Negative:
- Some lip balms can contain ingredients that further irritate your lips, such as camphor, salicylic acid, menthol, and alcohol
- Choosing the wrong lip balm can make your lips look greasy or worsen your symptoms
- Lip balm can be addictive, leading to overuse and dependence on the product
Its important to choose the right lip balm for your needs and to use it in moderation to avoid dependence. Additionally, incorporating lip care into your daily routine, such as wearing lip balm with SPF before going outside, applying lip balm or ointment before bed and upon waking up, and keeping lip balm handy to use when needed, can help prevent chapped lips.
