1 month ago
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Nothing is more kissable than healthy lips, and whether it's for vanity or rightful concern for your own well-being, it's always a good idea to keep your puckers in great condition.
Ahead of Valentine's Day, MakatiMed dermatology specialist Dr. Angeli Torres-Paulino spoke to GMA News Online about how to care for one's lips.
First thing's first — figure out the problem.
What causes dry and chapped lips?
Several factors can turn a pair of lips dry and chapped, Dr. Angeli said.
"Weather conditions, especially cold, windy, or dry environments, can strip moisture from your lips, leaving them cracked and uncomfortable," she said. "Another common culprit is dehydration, as inadequate water intake can impact the moisture balance of your skin, including your lips."
Interestingly, lip licking, which may feel like a natural remedy to dryness, can actually make things worse, she added. This is because saliva evaporates quickly and can further dry out your lips.
Moreover, negative reactions, such as allergies and irritation, from the products you use — like lip balms, cosmetics, or even toothpaste — can exacerbate the issue.
"Dry, cracked lips can also be the result of a sunburn, or exposure to air from mouth-breathing, especially while sleeping," she added. "Lastly, deficiencies in vitamins like B vitamins or iron, as well as certain medications, such as those for acne or high blood pressure, can have dryness as a side effect."
How to avoid and treat dry lips?
The quick solution to dry and chapped lips, Dr. Angeli said, is hydration.
"It’s helpful to apply a lip balm with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or petroleum jelly, as well as sun protection factor (SPF) to protect from sunburn especially when outdoors," she said.
"Staying hydrated, and refraining from lip-licking are other useful strategies," she added.
It is important to avoid picking at your lips when they feel dry, as this can make the problem worse.
If the problem persists or worsens, it is best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to rule out any underlying conditions.
Habits for improving natural color and texture
If it's rosy, petal-soft lips you want, Dr. Angeli said the process would require a combination of good habits and the right products.
More than just leaving your lips dry and chapped, dehydration can make your lips appear dry and pale, too, so dehydration truly is a must.
You should also keep reapplying your lip balm throughout the day, especially before heading outside and before going to bed. This creates a protective barrier to keep your lips hydrated.
Additionally, using a humidifier in the bedroom can add moisture to the air and prevent your lips from drying out, especially if you breathe from your mouth while sleeping.
Lastly, if you smoke, quitting can help restore your lips’ natural color and smoothness, as smoking can cause discoloration and dryness.
Products to consider, and products not to
"When selecting lip products, opt for lip balms or lipsticks that are non-irritating, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic," Dr. Angeli said.
Moisturizing ingredients to look out for include:
- castor seed oil
- ceramides
- dimethicone
- mineral oil
- shea butter,
- petroleum jelly
These ingredients "lock in moisture and heal dry, chapped lips."
When going outdoors, consider a lip balm with a SPF of at least 15 to prevent sunburn.
On the other hand, avoid lip products containing the following:
- camphor
- menthol
- eucalyptus,
- flavorings like cinnamon, citrus, and peppermint
"These can be irritating especially to already dry, chapped lips," Dr. Angeli said. "Lastly, stop using any product that causes stinging, burning, or tingling of the lips."
When to seek treatment
While most cases of chapped lips are mild and temporary, there are instances where the condition can be more serious and require medical attention, Dr. Angeli said.
"If your lips remain persistently dry, cracked, or painful despite using lip balms and staying hydrated, it could indicate an underlying issue," she added.
Severe cracking that leads to bleeding or painful fissures may suggest a skin infection or vitamin deficiency that requires professional care. Significant swelling or discoloration of the lips—such as turning very dark or purple—could be a sign of an allergic reaction, infection, or circulatory problem. Painful or tender lips may point to conditions like angular cheilitis or cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus, both of which require treatment from a healthcare provider.
"If your lips remain dry and cracked for more than two weeks despite self-care, it could indicate a condition like eczema," Dr. Angeli said. "Additionally, excessive peeling and scaling of the lips, or the appearance of unusual bumps, lumps, or growths, may be signs of more serious conditions like exfoliative cheilitis or even oral cancers, though these are rare."
"In any case where symptoms persist or worsen, or if you notice unusual changes in your lips, it’s always best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment," she added. —JCB, GMA Integrated News
