What causes chapped lips? | Live Science
The feeling of rough, sore, sore lips is uncomfortable, but understanding what causes chapped lips should help you find a soothing solution. Chances are, you’re running errands when you suddenly feel the urgent need for that lip balm. Or you put on lipstick when you find your lips are so dry they’re starting to crack. Moisturizing your lips with a balm or lotion helps, but the best way to solve the problem is to get to the root of the problem.
Chapped, dry lips are common in dry climates, which is why many people look for them The best humidifiers to solve the problem. However, they can be caused by a number of issues including diet, medical conditions, dehydration, environmental factors, and more. If you’re tired of always reaching for your lip balm, you’ve come to the right place. Here we look at the various causes of chapped lips before sharing tips on how to say goodbye to chapped lips forever.
Causes of chapped lips
Chapped lips can happen to anyone, but if you experience chapped lips frequently, it could be a sign of a nutritional deficiency or a condition like dehydration.
“Several factors can cause chapped lips, such as very dry and/or hot weather, salt water, too much sun, dry indoor air from central heating, very cold weather, excessive licking and touching of the lips,” says Joyce Carslaw, founder of Clever Beauty. “The lack of oil glands in your lips can also be a factor, and this can be made worse by using certain lipsticks (especially the ones that stay in place) because they contain harsh chemicals,” she adds.
Sharin Shafer, Founder of skinfluencer, says: “The skin on your lips is thin and delicate, so dry air and exposure to the sun can easily damage them. Many of us don’t drink enough water or eat enough fresh vegetables and fruits, which contain a lot of liquid, so lips can easily dry out, leading to chapping.”
There are several medical conditions that can lead to chapped lips. cheilitisfor example, is a condition usually caused by sun exposure, resulting in extremely chapped lips and sometimes lesions in the lips.
thyroid disease can also lead to dry mouth or xerostomia and chapped lips in about half of all cases, according to a 2016 study nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. A vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to chronically chapped lips.
How to treat chapped lips
When you have chapped lips, it’s important to get to the root of the problem. For example, if you have a medical condition, lip balms may help, but they don’t solve the underlying problem. Carslaw says, “If it’s the lip licking, then you have to change your habit to stop the practice. When the weather is cold, windy, or dry, certain balms and ointments can help protect the lips.”
The first step is to make sure you’re not dehydrated. “Drinking enough water can help, as it helps prevent dry skin in general,” says Carslaw.
Once you’ve increased your water intake, look for a good lip balm. Carslaw recommends a “mild, non-irritating, unflavored lip balm.”
Shepherd agrees. “Popular lip balms often contain additives that can add a pleasant smell or taste to the balm, or reduce the sensation of rubbing your lips,” she says.
“But in many cases these compounds provide an immediate sensation of relief to the lips but don’t really help with barrier function. And in some cases they can become irritants and even make the dryness worse.”
Choose a lip balm with natural ingredients and no added alcohols or fragrances. Good ingredients to look out for are lanolin, vitamin E, beeswax, almond wax, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid.
How to prevent chapped lips
The best way to prevent chapped lips is to figure out what’s causing them in the first place. If you think you have chronically chapped lips, see a doctor who may be able to prescribe medication.
If your chapped lips are less severe, there are simple preventative steps you can take.
Make sure the air in your home is not too dry. get one humidifier can help replenish the moisture in the air if you live in a dry climate or constantly turn off the air conditioner in the summer.
You can prevent chapped lips by staying hydrated throughout the day. Try to drinking water whenever you are thirsty and increase your water intake after a hard workout.
Eating a balanced, healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, and foods containing B vitamins can also help prevent dry lips.
What causes chapped lips? | Live Science Source link What causes chapped lips? | Live Science
