A tube of lip balm seems to be the perfect antidote for dry, cracked lips.
But will these over-the-counter products soothe flake or will it make the situation worse?
Although dry lips can occur year-round, they are most common in winter. Outdoor cold outdoor indoor indoor peels moisture from soft pillow lips.
Dr. Jenna Lester said lip balm can help seal moisture to lips.
“It’s a good barrier to external forces,” said Lester, a dermatologist at UCSF Health.
Can lip balm work?
For most people, lip balm is a worthy ally in the fight against cracked lips. But some people are unable to use perfumes, flavors and preservatives in popular balms. When applied, they can sting rather than soothe.
“Those guys would say, ‘I tried these things. I think my lips are going to get better, but they’re just getting worse.’ Louis.
Ingredients to note include flavoring additives and lanolin, a waxy substance from sheep that can be found in many moisturizing agents. An ingredient in a preservative called formaldehyde and a chemical sunscreen called oxybenz can also trigger allergies.
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Mann said these allergic reactions are driven by our immune system. They can happen at any time after any number of products are used and can last for months after use.
Dermatologists recommend that a perfume-free balm – usually listed as oil on the label – the safest bet for people with sensitive lips is probably the safest bet.
How to soothe lips
There are many ways to soothe dry lips without lip balm. Consider covering your lips with a scarf when you are considering running a humidifier outdoors or indoors to avoid dry air. Dehydration can cause dry lips, so drinking water is another safe bet.
One type of reflex should be avoided: lips and lips. Licking the lips may provide short-term relief, but saliva can quickly evaporate and absorb more moisture, making the lips drier.
If you cut it off on the balm but your lips are still tingling, consider seeing a dermatologist learn more.
“If you do these things, you’ll spend the winter with soft, soft lips,” Mann said.
The Associated Press Department of Health and Science has received support from the Science and Education Media Group at Howard Hughes Medical School and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. AP is responsible for all content.
