What causes dry lips and how to care for them in the cold season

Unfortunately, chapped lips are uncomfortable but are an annual addition to the colder seasons. We figure out what causes dry lips and how to care for them in the cold season.

What causes dry lips

The skin receives moisture from the sebaceous glands, and there are very few of them on the lips. Therefore, the skin of the lips practically does not know how to retain moisture. Also, due to the lack of melanin, the sun’s rays are not reflected from it. Because of these features, the lips need nourishment and additional care with the help of cosmetics. In its absence or insufficient amount, dryness and peeling occur in this delicate area.

Also, dry lips can appear due to the air in the room where we spend most of the time. If it is very dry, for example, from using a heater, then the lips will inevitably lose moisture. Cold air from an air conditioner is also harmful to delicate skin; the main thing here is to find a middle ground. At the same time, the humidity level fluctuates between 40% and 60%, but in an average apartment in winter, it barely reaches 30%. Therefore, for the health of the skin of the lips and the body as a whole, it is worth considering purchasing a humidifier.

Why lips dry and how to care for them in the cold season
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If we are experiencing stress, then we try to relieve it by all available methods. Many unknowingly bite their lips, thus provoking their peeling. Also, do not lick them once again: dryness will not take long.

The lips dry instantly with a stuffy nose because we switch to mouth breathing. To prevent dehydration of the skin in this area, the first step is to get rid of the common cold symptoms.

Lovers of baths, saunas, and chlorinated water pools are also at risk. Such an environment is quite aggressive for the delicate skin of the lips, and you cannot do without additional care.

Also, if a large amount of toothpaste gets on your lips, they can begin to peel off. This is due to the composition – it usually contains essential oils and menthol, which provoke dryness.

In addition, there are reasons for peeling lips due to processes in the body:

  • dehydration – if you prefer coffee and tea and forget about plain water during the day;
  • herpes on the lips;
  • the state of the intestine – when “harmful” bacteria prevail in it, but there are not enough useful ones;
  • allergy to food and cosmetic products, medicines;
  • skin diseases;
  • infections;
  • lack of vitamins and minerals.

You can independently distinguish simple peeling from the symptoms of the disease, but it is still better to consult a doctor if the problem causes severe discomfort. So, due to, for example, dry air, the peeling of the lips is not very noticeable visually. And in case of diseases, redness, compacted areas, noticeable cracks appear on them. We also note that the discomfort is minimal with normal dryness, and a rather strong burning sensation can accompany painful dryness.

Be sure to pay attention to the cracks in the corners of the lips. They can be sign bacteria or fungi that have entered the body and manifest themselves., such sores are popularly called Angular cheilitis, need to be examined by a dermatologist.

What to do if lips dry

Why lips dry and how to care for them in the cold season
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We use lip cream in the morning and the evening

Special lip products are designed specifically for delicate, dry skin. A face or body cream will not work in this case. This is because the lips are in close proximity to the mucous membrane. The use of a special product with the “correct” composition reduces the health risks when it enters the gastrointestinal tract.

We recommend using the cream 30-40 minutes before a meal in the morning to give it enough time to absorb. And in the evening – before going to bed, when you are no longer going to eat and drink.

Determining how often to use the balm

In order to find the proper care and the frequency of using the balm, we will determine what type of your problem belongs to.

First: dryness and peeling are seasonal phenomena, appearing only a couple of months a year. In the second type, the opposite is true: unpleasant symptoms persist for most of the year, with rare interruptions, when the lips restore their normal state.

If dry lips rarely overtake, you need to use a balm:

  • When leaving the street in cold and windy weather;
  • When you are under the active sun. Also, for going to the beach or walking on sunny days, you should choose a balm with SPF protection and apply it on your lips every 2-3 hours;
  • when visiting the bathhouse and pool.

If dry lips are your constant companion, you need to adhere to the following plan for using the balm:

  • a dermatologist should recommend the product since we are talking about daily care;
  • restore the body’s water balance. You will have to work hard and replace some of the drinks like coffee and soda with plain clean water;
  • watch your habits: licking and biting your lips should be taboo;
  • learn to massage the circular muscles of the mouth. It improves blood circulation and lip nourishment;
  • get a humidifier. It is useful not only in the treatment of lips but also for the whole organism.

Now let’s pay attention to the tips for lip care in the cold season

Why lips dry and how to care for them in the cold season
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Do not use lip scrubs when exfoliating, especially in winter

Scrubs only make it worse, further traumatizing the surface of the lips. If you still want to correct the appearance of your lips, use enzyme peels; they are less traumatic. But only after consulting a dermatologist so as not to harm the skin.

Pay attention to the composition of the lipstick

Use gloss and lipstick based on mineral oils and wax to protect your lips from the cold. Note that they need to be renewed on the lips for a cold barrier effect every few hours. Note that matte lipsticks dry more than glossy ones due to their composition.

If the lipstick has an SPF effect, feel free to buy it: such a find will create additional protection from the bright sun, especially in winter.

Replenish the supply of vitamins in the body

Vitamins and minerals are found in food – vegetables, fruits, cereals. Add them to your diet, even if you have to rethink your habits and check sites for new recipes. And you can also consult with a doctor and get tested to determine what you are missing and fill the deficiencies with the help of prescribed medical complexes.

Heal cracks with ointment

In the fight against cracks that have arisen from the cold, an ointment based on panthenol will help. It is used to heal wounds – and is quite effective. Take care not to lick your lips while the ointment is on them, and remove the excess product with a cotton swab to prevent it from entering the gastrointestinal tract.

Use lip patches

Choose patches that contain hyaluronic acid and useful plant extracts. With their help, you can easily moisturize your lips.

Protect your lips when wearing a medical mask

A greenhouse effect accompanies the long-term wearing of this protective equipment. Be sure to moisturize your lips with a balm so that the contrast of temperatures when removing the mask does not provoke peeling of delicate skin.

Note* Always consult your doctor or other qualified health care professional for any questions you may have about your health or condition. Never disregard a health care professional’s advice or delay getting it because of what you read on this website.
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