Dry, chapped skin is a comon skin problem that people face when the cold and dry weather of winter sets in for the season. Most people know that the skin on the face, the hands, and the elbow and knees are comon places for winter to take its toll. And there are specific skin care tips for treating dry skin in the winter for these areas. But many people don’t realize that the lips may be one of the areas that gets it the worst during the winter.
Dry and chapped lips can be painful and many people consider their chapped lips to be unattractive. Fortunately Lisa Fogarty, a writer for SheFinds asked prominent skin care experts about chapped winter lips and what people can do to keep their lips hydrated and healthy during cold weather in the article: “How To Keep Your Lips From Getting Chapped.”
SheFinds explains that the skin is more sensitive in the cold and dry climates associated with winter time. The skin on your lips is thin, making them especially sensitive to harsher conditions. Lips are also easily irritated and are more prone to sunburn than other parts of your body.
To protect yourself from chapped lips in the winter time you need to fortify the moisture in your lips to keep them from being sucked dry by the winter air.
Treating Chapped Lips with the Right Chap Stick
Most people barrier their lips with chap stick or lip balm. But, unless you are applying the right type of chapstick, you may be doing more harm than good to your lips.
For example, medicated chapstick or lip balm that contain Phenol, can acerbate chapped lips, making them dryer. For maintaining your lips hydration, look for moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, cocoa butter, lanolin, or petroleum.
Chapped Lips? Forego Chap Stick Altogether.
In fact, “it might be safer to skip chapstick altogether, says Adriana Martino, skincare expert and founder of SKINNEY Medspa. “Over using chapstick can cause more chapping,” Martino says. “Use a lip balm instead. La Mer The Lip Balm is definitely a splurge, but very hydrating.”
Don’t Forget to Use Sunscreen
Lastly, the winter air is not the only element your lips need protection from during the winter time. The sun is a notorious cause of dry, chapped lips. Even in cloudy weather, the sun can still penetrate through the clouds and burn unprotected skin. So if applying a chap stick or lip balm, make sure it contains an SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays to keep your lips looking hydrated and healthy all winter long.
