Chapped lips can be more than just a result of cold weather or dry air. Here are five surprising reasons why your lips might be dry and cracked, along with effective solutions to keep them smooth and hydrated.
Causes and Solutions for Chapped Lips
Cause | Description | Solution |
---|---|---|
Frequently Licking Lips | Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips drier. The habit worsens chapping, especially in windy conditions. | Avoid licking your lips. Use a lip balm regularly to form a protective barrier and retain moisture. |
Vitamin B Deficiency | Lack of Vitamin B, which helps repair skin, can lead to cracked lips. | Take Vitamin B supplements and eat foods rich in Vitamin B such as green vegetables, whole grains, meat, fish, eggs, avocados, and nuts. |
Angular Cheilitis (Mouth Corners Inflammation) | Infections or eczema can cause inflammation and cracking at the corners of the mouth. | Seek medical advice for appropriate creams to treat infections or eczema. |
Smoking | Smoking depletes moisture from lips and reduces blood flow, causing dryness and discoloration. | Reduce smoking or quit. Apply a nourishing lip balm after smoking to restore moisture. |
Ingredients in Lip Products | Some lip balms contain allergens or irritants that can dry out lips. | Choose organic, fragrance-free, and certified lip products with minimal ingredients. |
Recommended Products
1. Lip Balm for Frequent Licking
L:A BRUKET Lip Care Set
- Price: $80
- Features: Includes a gentle exfoliating lip cream, a seaweed repairing lip mask, and a coconut nourishing lip balm. Provides all-round protection and hydration.
2. Vitamin B Supplement
Nature Made Vitamin B Complex
- Price: $15 for 100 tablets
- Features: Contains essential B vitamins like B1, B2, B6, and B12 to support overall health and skin repair. Take 1 tablet daily.
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Lip Balm
- Price: $5
- Features: Formulated for sensitive skin with shea butter and vitamin E for high moisturizing effect.
3. Treatment for Angular Cheilitis
Aquaphor Lip Repair
- Price: $5 for 0.35 oz
- Features: Rich in shea butter and chamomile essence, this balm provides intense nourishment and repair for dry, damaged lips.
4. Lip Balm for Smokers
Aesop Cedar & Citrus Lip Balm
- Price: $15 for 0.3 oz
- Features: Contains grapefruit, cedar, and orange essential oils. Free from paraffin and mineral oils. Ideal for restoring moisture to smoker’s lips.
5. Organic Lip Care
ILIA Balmy Nights Lip Exfoliator
- Price: $26 for 0.14 oz
- Features: Uses organic shea butter and volcanic stone powder to gently exfoliate and nourish lips.
By understanding these surprising causes and using the right products, you can keep your lips healthy and hydrated all year round.