Following simple recommendations will help preserve the beauty of the lips even in the cold season.
Lack of vitamins, exposure to cold and moisture – all this leads to the fact that the lips are very dry and cracked. What to do in this case – says .
There are very few sebaceous glands on the lips, due to which the skin here is practically defenseless and very thin, and therefore easily injured. Many factors can worsen the situation. Let’s figure out what to pay attention to.
What causes chapped lips and what to do if it happens
Dry air can cause cracks to appear. This happens both in the heat of the year and in the cold – if the heating in the apartment works “at full capacity”. In such conditions, the sensitive skin of the lips loses moisture many times faster. So that staying in the house during the heating season does not become hell for the skin of the face and lips, control the air humidity in the premises. Special humidifiers will help with this.
Abuse of cosmetics (for example, matte lipsticks) also negatively affects the condition of the lips. The habit of licking also harms them – due to this, the skin of the lips dries quickly and cannot cope with irritation. Refusing to use scented lipsticks and balms will help you learn to do this – they only increase the desire to lick your lips more often.
In addition, the appearance of cracks on the lips may indicate a deficiency of vitamins and trace elements. For example, it may be an indicator that you are not consuming enough iron-rich foods. To prevent this problem, be sure to consult a doctor.
Sores on the lips can also indicate the presence of an allergic reaction (to cosmetics or medications taken), all kinds of diseases (from SARS to eczema). So a visit to the hospital will definitely not be superfluous, even if it seems that dry lips are not such a serious problem.
Controlling food and temperature/humidity of the rooms where you are most often, giving up bad habits and quality lip skin care can help you forget forever what it’s like when your lips crack and bleed.
Cracked lips – what to smear
When the lips are severely chapped, the first question to be addressed is what to apply so as not to make it worse. The American Dermatology Association recommends using ointments, balms, and lip oils that contain petroleum jelly, hemp, mineral, or castor oil, shea butter, and the active ingredient dimethicone. If the situation is critical, balms can generally be replaced with vaseline or other thick ointment.
Dermatologists also advise using a lip balm with a sun-protective effect (they may contain titanium or zinc oxide) before going outside. During the day, means that moisturize the lips, including those that save from the harmful line of the sun, should be applied again.
At the same time, you should avoid cosmetics containing fragrances and dyes. Balms with eucalyptus and mint, citrus, cinnamon, and salicylic acid can also cause harm. Discomfort and burning that may occur when using such products will be evidence of irritation of already damaged skin, and not a sign that the product is “working”.