This post is written by Mia Barnes, Editor-in-Chief at Body+Mind.
Ever find yourself in a never-ending cycle of applying lip balm, only to have your chapped lips return? You’re not alone. So, it’s time to uncover the truth behind chapped lips and the products we trust to heal them.
For most of us, the biggest culprit is the winter. Winter is one of the harshest seasons on your lips, causing them to dry out, crack, flake, and become sore over time. Many people can’t leave the house without lip balm for comfort and moisture, but it may not be as effective as it seems. Wait… what? Does lip balm worsen chapped lips?!
Yup, maybe. Here’s why you should forgo your lip balm for a better alternative and tips to prevent chapped lips from the start.
What Causes Chapped Lips?
As New York City-based dermatologist Rachel Westbay points out, lips don’t have sebaceous or oil glands like the rest of your body, so they lack a natural moisturizer. Likewise, your lip’s outermost skin layer doesn’t retain moisture well.
Now, here comes a twist: Licking your lips might feel like a quick fix—“Hello, hydration!” But nah, it’s actually backstabbing you big time. Saliva dries out quicker than our Monday morning motivation levels and leaves your poor lips even thirstier.
Throw in some artificially heated rooms or that cold blast from air conditioning units, and congratulations! You’ve brewed yourself a perfect dry-lip storm. Oh yeah — sunburned lips are totally a thing, too (who knew?), leading to all sorts of peel/cracky scenarios we’d rather not deal with. And hey, for those who never thought lip SPF was necessary – maybe give it another thought?
But wait for it… What if I told you that your faithful lip balm might be playing the villain behind the scenes? Yep! Some of them pack ingredients like fragrances or menthol, which could actually be tickling your lips the wrong way, causing irritation or even allergies.
Most people notice dry, cracked lips when the weather gets cold. To summarize the other causes:
- Allergens and irritants
- Dermatological problems
- Licking your lips repeatedly
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Dehydration
- Sun damage
- The wrong lip balm
Debunking Lip Balm Myths
Alright, let’s get something straight. You’ve probably heard the rumor flying around that lip balm is actually a secret villain in the world of skincare, sneakily drying out your lips to keep you coming back for more. But is there any truth to this beauty myth, or is it just a bunch of lip service? Let’s jump into the glossy (and not-so-glossy) truths behind these claims.
Does Lip Balm Worsen Chapped Lips?
You may think you’re doing yourself a favor by soothing your lips with lip balm. However, while menthol, phenol, and salicylic acid-based lip products offer temporary relief, they can make them even drier.
If you’re experiencing lip eczema or perioral dermatitis—a rash around your mouth—avoid lip balms with added flavors, colors, or medications. Additionally, for those with highly sensitive skin, steer clear of products containing citral, peppermint oil, geraniol, fragrance mix, and cinnamaldehyde.
The key is using items with hydrating oils, butter, and vitamins for healthier, more supple lips. For instance, beeswax, squalene, coconut and jojoba oils, and shea butter are all effective. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin E are also safe for your lips. These ingredients are known for relieving and repairing wounds. Vitamin E oil, especially, has antioxidative properties for fighting bacteria and viruses.
Recommended Frequency of Lip Balm Use
Some people may wonder, “If I use lip balm more, will my lips become dependent on it?” Here’s the scoop: It’s more about listening to your lips than setting a schedule.
A good rule of thumb is to apply when you wake up, a little after eating or drinking, and before bedtime. Feel free to slather on some more if your lips start to feel like the Sahara. Remember, though, moderation is key—too much of a good thing can be wonderful, except when it isn’t.
How To Choose The Right Lip Balm
Ah, the quest for the perfect lip balm—it’s almost as elusive as finding your soulmate. But fear not, intrepid lip care adventurer! Before you trek through the overwhelming wilderness of lip balms, armed only with hope and a shopping basket, let’s become your GPS in this journey. We’re here to guide you toward lip balm bliss and away from those sneaky pitfalls that can leave your lips more parched than a desert.
Lip Balm Ingredients to Seek Out
Think of lip balm ingredients as characters in your favorite sitcom: some you love, some you love to hate, and some are just there, you guess. For kissable, happy lips, you’ll want to buddy up with the following all-stars:
- Hydrators and Humectants: Your lips’ best friend. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera work like a charm by pulling moisture into the skin of your lips and keeping them smiling.
- Occlusives: The unsung heroes, including beeswax, petroleum, and lanolin, act as guardians, locking in the moisture so it doesn’t fly off into the atmosphere.
- Emollients: These smooth operators (think shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil) glide onto your lips, filling in the cracks and making everything feel as smooth as a jazz solo.
Warning Signs: Ingredients to Avoid
On the flip side, some ingredients are like that friend who says they’ll help you move but bails at the last minute. Avoid these party poopers to keep your lips in tip-top shape:
- Phenol, menthol, and camphor: These might give you that satisfying tingle, but they’re actually drying your lips out like yesterday’s laundry. Opt-out.
- Fragrances and dyes: Sure, they make lip balm smell and look better, but they can irritate your lips. If your lip balm smells like a tropical getaway, it’s probably a no-go.
- Salicylic acid: Usually a hero for acne-prone skin, but when it comes to lips, it’s more villainous, encouraging flaking and peeling.
For a bit of interactive fun, here’s a quick reference chart:
| Your Lip Balm’s BFFs | Ingredients to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Hyaluronic Acid | Menthol |
| Glycerin | Phenol |
| Squalane | Salicylic Acid |
| Ceramides | Fragrances |
| Beeswax | |
| Petrolatum | |
| Lanolin |
5 Lip Balm Alternatives
You can look for lip balms with the perfect formula for healing or turn to organic alternatives with a greater effect. Here are five simple ingredients beyond lip balm to soothe chapped lips.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a centuries-old remedy for mending wounds, burns, itching, and other irritations. Many people apply it to their lips due to its many polysaccharides. Studies show one polysaccharide — acemannan — stimulates tissue regeneration and cell growth and is antiviral.
Apply a small amount of aloe vera to your finger and smear it around your lips in circular motions. You may want to use it twice daily to see its positive effects.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is among the most potent healing ingredients for your skin and lips, containing lauric acid to fight off microbes and bacteria like Staph infections. It’s so powerful research shows it may effectively heal diabetic ulcers.
The study analyzed how 50 diabetic Wistar mice with ulcers responded to various conventional therapies. Topical virgin coconut oil and 14 hours of air exposure significantly impacted wound recovery.
You can usually find lip balm containing coconut oil at the store. However, remember to check the other ingredients to ensure they don’t worsen your lips’ condition.
3. Hemp Seed Oil
Although hemp seed oil derives from the same Cannabis sativa plants as marijuana, it contains little to no CBD or THC. Nowadays, you’ll encounter several beauty and skin care products with hemp.
Dermatology studies have demonstrated the positive effects of hemp seed oil for treating chronic skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. Some use it to diminish acne because of its anti-inflammatory compounds. Hemp seed oil contains ample vitamins and minerals — including vitamin E — and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which protect the skin and relieve dryness.
4. Shea Butter
Shea butter is made entirely from vitamin A — a critical component of skin health and rejuvenation. According to recent research, vitamin A improves plasticity during regenerative processes, accelerating wound healing.
If your lips are cracked from dry or cold air, shea butter will stimulate the skin’s natural ability to repair itself. It also prevents collagen loss, leaving behind fuller, healthier lips.
You might also consider applying shea butter to the rest of your body as a moisturizer. Many even enjoy its subtle, smoky aroma.
5. White Petroleum Jelly
Do you remember your mother rubbing Vaseline under your nose when you were sick as a child? People have used the stuff — white petroleum jelly — for healing chapped, inflamed skin for over 150 years.
White petroleum jelly may be better for locking in moisture than rehydrating your lips, but its excellent absorption deeply penetrates cracks and bleeds for optimal healing. You can also use products like Vaseline with other lip balm alternatives. For example, apply coconut or hemp seed oil first, then seal it using white petroleum jelly.
Additional Tips For Relieving Chapped Lips
First things first, let’s talk about a no-no that almost everyone is guilty of – licking your lips. You might think it’s giving you a quick fix of moisture, but it’s actually doing the opposite. Stop licking your lips!
Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for chapped lips. In the winter, the dry air wreaks havoc on your mouth, while the hot summer months cause you to lose fluids. As such, you should drink plenty of water, preferably eight glasses of water to prevent your lips from drying out and cracking.
Cucumbers may also be an effective alternative to lip balm due to their high fluid content. In fact, they’re 95% made up of water — one cup of raw cucumbers equates to a half cup of water. In addition to eating them, rub a slice over your dry lips for a cooling effect and added moisture.
Unlike some cooling and hydrating foods, salty, spicy, and acidic foods may irritate chapped lips even more. Consume fewer of these items until you’ve repaired your lips’ skin barrier.
Staying out of the sun at peak hours and always applying SPF is also best for preventing and healing chapped lips. Ultraviolet rays may cause actinic cheilitis — a precancerous condition affecting your lower lip, most prevalent among individuals with fair skin and those who spend ample time outdoors. Look for a dry, scaly, cracked, and discolored appearance around your lips, and seek medical attention for any concerns.
Of course, cold weather isn’t conducive to healthy, smooth lips. Utilize a humidifier during winter nights to add moisture to the air, which in turn helps prevent water loss from the skin and lips. Wearing a scarf is another way to block some cold air from hitting your mouth. Whatever you do, avoid biting or picking at dried lips to prevent further damage.
Last but not least, give your lips some TLC before bedtime. After a long day of exposure to the elements, applying a thicker, nourishing lip balm at night can do wonders. It’s like a spa treatment for your lips, allowing them to heal and rejuvenate while you catch those Z’s.
When To Consult A Health Professional
First off, if your lips stay chapped no matter what you slather on them or how much water you drink, it could be a sign that something’s up. Persistent chapped lips might hint at an underlying condition like dehydration, malnutrition, or even allergies. If your lips are more cracked than a sidewalk in summer after weeks of proper care, it’s time to book that appointment.
Keep an eye out for signs of infection. Are your lips showing signs of swelling, severe cracking to the point of bleeding, or oozing? Yeah, it’s not the chic look we’re going for. These symptoms can indicate an infection, especially if they are painful. A health professional can determine whether you need medication to help those lips heal.
Here’s where it gets interesting – unusual symptoms. If you notice changes in the color of your lips or the appearance of sores that aren’t healing, it’s definitely not something to gloss over (pun intended). Changes like these can sometimes indicate more serious health issues.
Healed Lips Are Possible With Lip Balm Alternatives
Depending on the type of lip balm you use, it may not be the best option for chapped lips. Opt for safer, more nutrient-rich ingredients to heal cracks and dryness. Supple, healthy-looking lips are possible, even during the even during the coldest months.
Don’t forget to hydrate from the inside out. Nighttime is your lips’ best friend for deep nourishment, and for those days under the sun, a lip balm with SPF is a must. If your lips are still singing the blues despite your best efforts, it might be time to seek professional advice.
