A long vacation is over and a new year has begun. The main reason is that the poor kisser is exposed to the elements. “Our lips aren’t as protected as the rest of the skin and don’t have their own sebaceous glands, so they can’t create the protective seal that other parts of the skin do,” says Michelle Henry, M.D. , is a clinical instructor in dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and founder of Skin & Aesthetics Surgery of Manhattan. “It’s also very vulnerable during the winter months because it loses moisture so quickly.” But season isn’t the only reason. Other explanations for chapped or chapped lips and what you can do to restore them to health.
lips react
We’re talking about allergies here, so nothing romantic! “Contact dermatitis around the lips is really common,” Henry says. “Many of my patients are allergic to something in toothpaste or lip balm.” She recommends identifying products through the elimination process. “Anything that has a scent should be looked for first,” agrees Taz Bhatia, MD, an Atlanta-based physician who specializes in integrative medicine, adding, “Like certain lipsticks and lip plumpers, Many lip exfoliants are irritating,” he adds. To soothe dry lips gently and safely, Henry’s word is ’emollient’! Swipe in Aquaphor (or Bhatia’s favorite warm ghee) and repeat as needed.
you are dry
Mild chronic dehydration is also a common cause, says California Board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist Caylee Hopper. “If your body doesn’t have enough water to nourish your cells, it can draw water from other organ systems and cause chapped lips,” Bhatia says. (that’s about three standard Hydro Flasks in layman’s terms), and Hopper suggests adding electrolytes or drinking coconut water for an extra boost. doing.
it’s more serious
Although rare, a lip condition called actinic cheilitis should be on your radar. says Henry. “If your lips are chronically dry, especially if you have hard patches that don’t stay apart, you should see a dermatologist.”
you probably like it too
