6 Reasons Your Lips Are Chapped—And What You Can Do About It
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Chapped lips are a nuisance to deal with. And while there are a number of ways to treat chapped lips, have you ever wondered what actually causes them to begin with? Well, according to experts, we can first blame the biological makeup of lips themselves. "Lips are predisposed to becoming dry, as they have a relatively low density of oil glands compared to other areas of the body," board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman explains.
Additionally, there are a plethora of external factors that could be contributing to your dry, cracked lips. Ahead, Dr. Engelman and fellow board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick explain the various chapped lip causes and what we can do about it.
Meet Our Expert
Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City.
The Elements
Dr. Engelman points out that our lips are constantly exposed to elements, including dry air, wind, and hot and cold temperatures, which—in the extreme and for extended periods—can wreak havoc on the state of our lips.
The Solution: Choose a good lip balm and stick with it, Dr. Engelman suggests. "The main solution to dry lips is to keep them moisturized and protected," she says. Dr. Engelman insists on choosing one that is hydrating and not made with harsh or drying ingredients. Dr. Garshick also recommends using a humidifier in your bedroom throughout the cold winter months to boost the air's moisture, helping to minimize lip dryness overnight.
Cumulative UV Exposure
Dr. Garshick explains that exposing our lips to the sun without SPF protection can lead to a condition known as actinic cheilitis—a precancerous lesion that presents as dry, scaly, and sometimes scabby lips.
The Solution: Give those lips the sun protection they deserve by using a lip balm with SPF. "It is important to remember to apply SPF to your lips, even in the winter months, before going outdoors, and remember to reapply," Dr. Garshick says.
Constant Lip Licking
Frequent lip lickers, listen up: your saliva may be contributing to your lip's perpetual parchedness. "Our lips are in frequent contact with our saliva, which contains the digestive enzyme alpha-amylase that breaks down skin," Dr. Engelman explains. "This is one of the reasons that licking your lips is not an effective way to rehydrate them."
The Solution: "Avoid licking your lips," Dr. Engelman says. She says applying a good lip balm regularly throughout the day will also help to keep lips feeling soft and hydrated, thus reducing the urge to moisten them through constant licking.
Irritating Ingredients
Certain products intended for use on the lips may contain ingredients that can cause dryness. "Some lipsticks, glosses, and balms contain ingredients that have a drying effect on the lips," Dr. Engelman says. She recommends looking out for ingredients like menthol, phenol, and camphor, which are added to exfoliate or create a plumping or cooling effect. "These lip products are perfectly fine if you are looking to create a smoother or fuller-looking lip in the short term, but know that lip products that contain exfoliating and drying ingredients are not the best choice if you suffer from dryness or capping," she adds. Additionally, some lip products that contain added fragrances or preservatives may cause chapped lips.
The Solution: If your lip product contains potentially drying ingredients, it's best to discontinue use and find another that's better suited for your chapped lips. Alternatively, if it's a lip gloss or other must-have product you wouldn't dream of parting with, try creating a barrier using a good quality lip balm first.
Contact Dermatitis
"With so many different things coming into contact with the lips each day, it is possible that your lips are chapped as a result of what is known as contact dermatitis," Dr. Garshick explains. Meaning, you might be allergic to the products you're using on or around your mouth.
The Solution: If you think you might be allergic to your lip balm or gloss, Dr. Garshick has a plan of action. "If, despite using a moisturizer frequently, the lips are persistently chapped, it can help to consider patch testing to see if there are any ingredients that may be causing a skin allergy on the lips," she says. "Allergic and irritant causes of dry lips can be treated with topical steroid creams that help to reduce inflammation."
Vitamin Deficiencies
Although not as common, Dr. Garshick points out that for some, the cause of their chapped lips may stem from something internal. "Vitamin deficiencies, such as loss of zinc, can lead to dry or chapped lips," she says. "This can be checked with a blood test."
The Solution: Like Dr. Garshick recommends, if you think a vitamin deficiency is the culprit, visit your physician or dermatologist for confirmation before trying any at-home remedies.
The Final Takeaway
For many of us, dry, cracked lips are a common occurrence. However, the reason for them can vary from person to person. There are environmental causes—like extended exposure to the elements (think: wind and frigid temperatures) or constant exposure to the sun. On the other hand, health conditions like allergies or vitamin deficiencies may also play a role. Ensuring you're using a moisture-boosting lip balm and steering clear of irritating ingredients can help return your lips to a healthy and hydrated state. However, if your chapped lips persist or seem to worsen, it's best to visit a medical professional for advice.
Up Next: 7 Ways to Deal With Dry, Chapped Lips—According to Dermatologists
Read the original article on Byrdie.
