Emma Miller
There are very few sebaceous glands on the lips, so the skin here is almost defenseless and very thin, and therefore easily traumatized. Many factors can aggravate the situation. Let’s look at what you should pay attention to.
From what cracked lips and what to do if it happens
The appearance of cracks can cause dry air. This occurs both in the hot season, and in the cold – if the heating in the apartment is working “at full”. In such conditions, the sensitive skin of the lips loses moisture many times faster. To make sure that being in the house during the heating season will not be hell for the skin of the face and lips, control the humidity in the rooms. Special humidifiers can help.
Abuse of cosmetic products (for example, matte lipsticks), also has a negative impact on the lips. The habit of licking also damages them – because of this the lip skin dries up quickly and cannot cope with the resulting irritation. Learning to do this will help to abandon the use of flavored lipsticks and balms – they only increase the desire to lick your lips more often.
In addition, the appearance of cracks on the lips may indicate a deficiency of vitamins and minerals. For example, it may be an indication that you do not consume the right amount of products rich in iron. To rule out this problem, be sure to consult your doctor.
Wounds on the lips can also indicate an allergic reaction (to cosmetics or medications you take), and all kinds of diseases (from acute respiratory infections to eczema). So a visit to the hospital is definitely not a waste of time, even if it seems that dry lips are not such a serious problem.
Controlling diet and temperature/humidity of the room where you are most often, giving up bad habits and good lip skin care can help you forget forever about what it is like to have chapped lips and bleeding.
Cracked lips – what to use
When severely chapped lips – the first question to deal with: is what to apply, so as not to get worse. The American Association of Dermatology recommends the use of ointments, balms, and lip oils, which include Vaseline, hempseed, mineral or castor oil, shea butter, and the active ingredient dimethicone. If the situation is critical – and balms can be replaced by petroleum jelly or another thick ointment.
Dermatologists also advise using lip balm with the sunscreen effect (they may contain titanium oxide or zinc oxide) before going outdoors. During the day, products that moisturize the lips, including those that save you from the damaging effects of the sun, it is worth reapplying.
At the same time, cosmetics containing fragrances and dyes should be avoided. Can harm and balms with eucalyptus and peppermint, citrus, cinnamon, and salicylic acid. Discomfort and burning that may appear when using such products will be evidence of irritation of already damaged skin and not a sign that the product “works”.
