Why Do Lips Get Chapped?
Chapped lips occur when the lips become dry, cracked, and sometimes sore. There are several reasons why lips get chapped, including environmental factors, allergic reactions, and the use of certain lip care products. The skin on our lips tends to be drier and more sensitive compared to the rest of our skin because lips do not have oil glands like the rest of our skin, and the skin is thinner. Additionally, certain ingredients in lip balms, such as methanol, alcohols, fragrance, phenol, menthol, salicylic acid, and certain preservatives, can dry out the lips and cause further irritation. Moreover, dehydration, sun damage, vitamin deficiencies, eczema, and skin picking or licking can also contribute to dry, chapped lips.
Its important to choose lip balms that contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, and humectants, and to avoid lip balms with potentially irritating ingredients. Additionally, staying hydrated, protecting the lips from sun exposure, and addressing any underlying health conditions can help prevent chapped lips. If someone develops a sensitivity to an ingredient in a lip balm, it can cause the lips to become dry, cracked, red, scaly, and itchy. Therefore, its essential to be mindful of the ingredients in lip care products and to choose products that are suitable for individual skin sensitivities.
