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Dry, chapped lips can be more than just a cosmetic concern; they can also be uncomfortable and even painful. While it’s easy to blame the weather or lack of hydration, there may be underlying factors contributing to your lip woes that you haven’t considered. From licking your lips excessively and using the wrong lip products, to not protecting them from the sun, these habits could be leaving your lips feeling parched and cracked. By identifying and rectifying these missteps, you can help restore moisture and softness to your lips, ensuring they stay healthy and kissably smooth all year round. Let’s explore these potential culprits and discover how to keep your lips feeling nourished and hydrated.
Wearing Matte Lipsticks
Wearing matte lipsticks can exacerbate dryness in your lips due to their high pigment concentration and lack of moisture-locking ingredients. The matte formula tends to be drier and more matte lipsticks contain drying agents like alcohol, which can strip away natural oils. Additionally, frequent reapplication can further dehydrate lips. Without proper hydration and prep, matte lipsticks can accentuate cracks and flakes, leaving lips feeling parched and uncomfortable. Opting for hydrating lip balms and exfoliating regularly can help mitigate these effects.
We recommend: SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair
Using Petroleum-Based Products
Using petroleum-based lip products can contribute to dryness by creating a barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the lips. While they may initially feel moisturising, petroleum jelly and similar ingredients can actually seal off the skin, leading to dehydration over time. Additionally, these products don’t provide any nourishing benefits, so they don’t actively replenish lost moisture. As a result, relying solely on petroleum-based lip products can leave your lips feeling even drier and more prone to chapping.
We recommend: Bloom and Blossom Lip Service Nourishing Lip Balm
Not Protecting Them from the Sun
Neglecting to protect your lips from the sun’s harmful UV rays can contribute to dryness and damage. Lips lack melanin, making them more susceptible to sunburn and dehydration. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to chapping, peeling, and the formation of fine lines on the lips. Without SPF protection, UV radiation can break down collagen and elastin, causing premature ageing and further exacerbating dryness. Applying a lip balm or facial lotion with SPF regularly can help shield your lips from sun damage and maintain their moisture balance.
We recommend: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF30
Too Much Licking
Excessive licking of the lips can worsen dryness and lead to further dehydration. While it may provide temporary relief, saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips drier than before. Additionally, saliva contains enzymes that can break down the delicate skin on the lips, leading to irritation and chapping. Constant licking can disrupt the natural barrier function of the lips, making them more vulnerable to environmental aggressors. To prevent dryness, it’s essential to avoid the habit of licking your lips excessively and opt for hydrating lip balms instead.
We recommend: Medik8 Mutiny
Not Using a Night Balm
Neglecting to use a night balm can leave your lips vulnerable to dryness overnight. While you sleep, the skin on your lips undergoes a regeneration process, and without proper hydration, it can result in increased dryness and flakiness. Night balms are specifically formulated with nourishing ingredients to replenish moisture and repair the lips while you rest. Applying a hydrating night balm before bedtime creates a protective barrier, locking in moisture and ensuring your lips wake up feeling soft, supple, and hydrated.
We recommend: Evolve Organic Beauty Lip Treat