Lip Service
Dry, chapped lips happen from time to time but simple changes in your diet and skincare routine can help you have supple, healthy lips all year long. While we may not be able to have lips like Angelina Jolie, we can take care of them like she does.
One major reason your lips get chapped is anatomy. Your lips are highly sensitive to feeling and touch because they only have a thin layer of skin for protection – no oil or sweat glands, not even melanin pigment. And on top of that, your lips are constantly exposed to irritants like the tip of your tongue, food and drinks, and environmental elements. These irritants can cause your lips to develop cracks or become chapped if not properly taken care of.
Your diet also influences your skin and lips. What you’ve been eating lately could be throwing off your pH balance and putting your body in an acidic state. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day and maintaining a diet rich in vitamins A, B, and C with high water content are small changes that can make a big difference.
The types of lip balms you use could also have an effect on your lips’ ability to retain moisture. Ingredients like salicylic acid, menthol, camphor and most fragrances in balms can leave your lips feeling dry. Go for balms that have bases such as beeswax, petroleum jelly or paraffin. These ingredients help seal in moisture in your lips. Be sure to use these balms after gently exfoliating your lips before bed each night.
Your lips need the love and attention you give your skin too. If you have any questions about proper lip care, contact one of our dermatologists for tips and suggestions about exfoliating and moisturizing properly.
