Chapped Lips: How to Soften the Smooch
Lip Care: Winter Care Tips Can be Used all Year Round
Lip gloss and lipsticks are not always the answer to helping dry lips. Lips are primarily mucous membranes. They are low in melanin, a naturally occurring pigment that protects the skin on other parts of the body against sun damage. It's these characteristics that make lips vulnerable to cracking, chapping and even blistering.
Lip Anatomy
Lips are made of the same mucous membrane that coats the inside of the mouth. Lips do not have the same protective outer layer as the skin elsewhere on the body does. The lack of outer layer protection means that moisture on the lips is continually evaporating, hence less fluid retention in the lips. Lips don't have the same glands and pigments as ordinary skin. (For example, lips do not have any oil glands.)
What this all means is that lips have little or no protection from exposure to the wind, sun, cold weather and dry air. Breathing with an open mouth, especially due to having a cold, licking the lips, contact with irritants or allergens in cosmetics or skin care products and dehydration are also contributing factors to lip swelling, cracked lips and chapping. The main source of moisture for lips is the saliva that comes from the mouth.
Lip Treatment
To promote soft lips incorporate one or more of the following suggestions into your daily routines:
- In the morning use a soft toothbrush or terry cloth and a bit of moisturizing cream (preferably an all-natural product that contains no chemicals). This will gently slough off dry skin and hydrate at the same time. Do not swallow any moisturizing cream.
- Throughout the day spread on a moisture rich lip gloss or lipstick. If any length of time is spent outdoors, be sure that the lip gloss or lipstick has sun screen in it. Just as too much sun dries the rest of the body, it affects the lips as well.
- Drink plenty of water. Recommended water intake is at least half a glass every hour to replenish the body's water source. Homes that have central heating or air conditioning should have a humidifier to combat dry air.
- Take a multi-vitamin. Vitamin deficiency, particularly a lack of B-Complex or iron, can cause scaly lips and cracking at the corners. Evening primrose oil which contains linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid vital for healthy skin, can be taken as a supplement. Vitamin A is also known to fortify and protect skin tissue.
Kiss Chapping Goodbye
It's natural to lick the lips when they feel dry. When saliva evaporates, it takes some of the lip's own moisture with it. This habit is typically worse during times of cold and flu. Instead, liberally apply a natural lip balm to both prevent and treat chapped lips.
Look for moisturizing ingredients such as vitamin A and D, aloe, avocado oil, jojoba, chamomile, cocoa and shea butter. Aloe products will reduce inflammation while tea tree and peppermint help prevent infection.
If dry damaged lips do not respond to treatment, contact a health practitioner. There can be an allergic reaction to skin products or to an ingredient in toothpaste or mouthwash. Cinnamon flavored products and tartar control toothpastes have been known to cause irritation.
Keep in mind, just like snowflakes, no two lip prints are the same. It is important to develop a lip care routine that works. Truly the results are well worth the effort!
Healthy Lips
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