Dry patches on lips can be caused by various factors such as cold weather, sun damage, and frequently licking your lips. To heal dry, chapped lips, it is important to use non-irritating lip balm, lipstick, and other products that you apply to your lips. However, many people mistake discomfort, such as burning, stinging, or tingling, as a sign that the active ingredients in a product are working. This is not the case, and it is important to stop using any product that irritates your lips. Here are some ingredients to avoid while your lips are chapped:
- Camphor
- Ceramides
- Dimethicone
- Hemp seed oil
- Mineral oil
- Petrolatum
- Shea butter
- Sun-protective ingredients, such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide
- Denatured ethanol or isopropyl alcohol
Instead, look for lip balms with the following ingredients:
- Petrolatum (also called petroleum jelly)
- Mineral oil
- Lanolin
- Honey
- Beeswax
- Shea butter
- Glycerin
- Dimethicone
- Ceramides
It is also important to protect your lips from the sun using a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher. If your lips are very dry and cracked, try a thick ointment, such as white petroleum jelly, which seals in water longer than waxes or oils. Finally, avoid holding items made of metal with your lips, as paperclips, jewelry, and other everyday products made of metal can irritate your already sensitive lips.
