Chapped lips? Say goodbye to discomfort with these simple tips!
Tired of suffering from cracked, dry, and painful lips? This uncomfortable sensation, which affects about 30% of the Brazilian population, according to data from the Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia (SBD) in 2023, can have various causes and solutions. In this article, you will discover the main factors that contribute to lip dryness, learn how to care for the thin and sensitive skin in this region, and receive valuable hydration tips to have a radiant and healthy smile.
Understanding the causes of dryness
Lips, unlike other areas of the skin, do not have sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing natural oils. This makes them more susceptible to dryness, especially in dry environments, cold or hot climates, and with low humidity.
Other factors that can contribute to the problem include:
- Habits: Licking your lips frequently, smoking, talking a lot, and even chewing gum can remove the protective layer of the skin, intensifying dryness.
- Sun exposure: UV rays damage the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that ensure the hydration and elasticity of the lips.
- Dehydration: Drinking little water is one of the main villains for skin health, including the lips.
- Irritating products: Some lipsticks, lip balms, and other cosmetics may contain ingredients that irritate the skin of the lips, causing dryness and cracking.
- Medications: The use of some medications, such as antidepressants and diuretics, can cause dryness in the mouth and lips.
- Diseases: Diseases such as diabetes, anemia, and thyroid problems can also be related to lip dryness.
Essential care for healthy lips
To prevent and combat lip dryness, it is essential to adopt some simple but effective habits:
- Drink plenty of water: Keeping your body hydrated is essential for the health of the skin as a whole, including the lips. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day.
- Avoid licking your lips: This attitude may seem harmless, but it actually worsens the problem. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving the lips even drier.
- Use lip balm: Apply lip balm with SPF 15 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. Choose hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products.
- Moisturize your lips at night: Use creams or moisturizing ointments specifically for the lips before bed.
- Exfoliate your lips: Once a week, gently exfoliate your lips with specific products or with a mixture of sugar and honey.
- Avoid smoking: Cigarettes contain several harmful substances that damage the health of the skin and lips, intensifying dryness and cracking.
- Maintain a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and greens provides essential vitamins and minerals for skin health, including the lips.
- Consult a dermatologist: If lip dryness is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, such as cracking, bleeding, or pain, consult a dermatologist to rule out other causes and receive appropriate treatment.
Extra tips for a radiant smile
- Use a humidifier: In dry environments, using a humidifier can help increase air humidity and prevent lip dryness.
- Avoid irritating products: Read the labels of the lip products you use carefully and avoid those that contain ingredients such as alcohol, menthol, or artificial fragrances.
- Protect your lips from the sun: Use lip balm with SPF 15 or higher to protect your lips from harmful UV rays.
- Wear face masks: Face masks can trap moisture around the lips, helping to hydrate them.
- Maintain a skincare routine: Taking care of the skin on your face as a whole also contributes to the health of your lips. Use gentle cleansers, toners, and moisturizers suitable for your skin type.
Healthy and hydrated lips are synonymous with beauty and well-being. Follow the tips in this article and say goodbye to the discomfort of chapped lips!
Sources consulted:
- Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia (SBD)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
