For many people, it’s a part of this time of year, just like Christmas lights and mulled wine: dry lips. Although this can be very annoying and even painful. What are you doing about it? We asked dermatologist Dagmar Ostijn what are the most common mistakes and tips to have soft lips again. “Conditioners can help. At least, if you use a good one.
During the cold months, many people suffer from dry and chapped lips. The disturbance is due to a combination of winter temperatures and dry air. “In winter the heating is often on, so the air is much drier. This can dry out the lips and skin,” confirms dermatologist Dagmar Ostijn from the Skinical skin clinic.
Why are our lips particularly affected by chapping, loose skin and fissures? This is because they are very vulnerable, explains Ostijn. “They have a much thinner stratum corneum than the skin, so the moisture in them also evaporates faster.”
Some people just can’t get rid of their dry lips, says Ostijn. “I often see that they are allergic to a component that is in a product they use often. Menthol in toothpaste, for example, or certain preservatives in red lipstick can cause constant dry lips. But in general, most people are helped if they take care and moisturize their lips. Dagmar Ostijn gives some tips and tells you what you should definitely avoid.
Mistake 1: Using the wrong lip balms
Dry lips? Lip balms can save your life. At least, if you use a good one. Some balms can irritate your lips, making them even drier.
What should you pay attention to? “It’s best not to use products with flavors or colors. Balms containing menthol and eucalyptus can also be irritating to the lips. This just gives you the feeling that you need to keep lubricating,” warns Ostijn. “It is best to use soft products, such as pure petroleum jelly. Unscented conditioners with natural ingredients and vegetable oil work best. Products with shea butter, ceramide and glycerin are also definitely suitable,” says Ostijn.
Mistake 2: Licking dry lips
Very tempting, but really not smart to do, is licking dry lips for this reason: “So it has the opposite effect. When you lick your lips, you apply moisture which simply evaporates again. Plus, it also picks up moisture that’s deeper in your lips, making them even drier. That way you end up in a vicious circle,” says the dermatologist.
Mistake 3: Pulling the sheets
As if dry lips weren’t hard enough, loose skin often results. “Try to stay away from it to avoid the worst. You hurt your lips even more with it and then cracks will develop.
These gaps can cause you to be even further away from home. “Your lips have a natural barrier that protects you from bacteria and viruses. If you make a wound, this barrier breaks down and is then the ideal gateway for those bacteria and viruses. Fissures also heal slowly, and if you’re sensitive to fever blisters, you’ll suffer from them more quickly,” says Ostijn.
Avoid scrubs with ground apricot kernels and the like, as these have too sharp edges.
Mistake 4: Eating certain foods for wounds
If you have wounds, watch what you eat. Anything acidic, like lemons, oranges, and tomatoes, can irritate your lips even more. “But as long as the stratum corneum isn’t injured, your lips can handle all foods.”
Mistake 5: Not exfoliating with a gentle scrub
Ostijn: “Exfoliating dry lips is only a good idea if you use a gentle scrub. Avoid scrubs with ground apricot kernels and the like, as these have too sharp edges. A good scrub is one with a synthetic and round grain. These are gentle on the lips. But it’s best not to overdo it if you have any wounds.
Mistake 6: Breathing too much through your mouth
Do you breathe mainly through your mouth instead of your nose at night? So unfortunately you have a quicker chance of dry and cracked lips. “It’s like standing in front of a fan, everything dries much faster,” concludes Ostijn. So don’t hang in front of a fan! Or try breathing through your nose.
Need a new conditioner? We have selected some toppers.
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