Apply a fragrance-free or allergen-free lip balm, exfoliate twice a week, and drink enough water to reduce cold-induced chapped lips.
Doctor Duong Phuong Chi, Department of Dermatology – Skin Aesthetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, said that cold, dry weather and frequent licking of lips are the main causes of chapped lips in winter. This condition is more dangerous in young children, leading to lip dermatitis, which can last for months. Just like the skin on your face and body, you need to choose suitable lip care products that do not cause irritation.
According to doctors, use lip balms, lipsticks, and other lip products that contain ingredients like castor oil, ceramides, dimethicone, or mineral oil, labeled “fragrance-free” and “non-allergenic”. Avoid ingredients that can cause irritation like camphor, menthol, or eucalyptus. If lips sting or tingle after using the product, discontinue use immediately.
Exfoliate your lips about twice a week. If irritation occurs, stop exfoliating until your lips heal and consider trying another method.
Apply lip balm throughout the day and before going to bed. If your lips are very dry and chapped, use lip balm. Ointments hold moisture longer than waxes or oils.
Protect your lips when you are outdoors. Apply lip balm with SPF 30 or higher before going out in winter. Use a lip balm with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide and reapply every two hours when outdoors.
Drink enough water. If possible, use a humidifier at home, especially in the bedroom. Do not lick, bite or peel your lips. When feeling dry lips, each person’s natural reflex is to lick their lips, but the enzyme amylase in saliva can make the lips even drier. When you lick your lips, apply lip balm right away.
Everyday items like paper clips, jewelry, and metal straws can irritate the lips.
People who used to spray tattoos, take care of their lips basically the same way as usual. However, dry, flaky lips can lead to the inability to keep the long-lasting tattoo color. Therefore, it is necessary to actively care for and protect the lips, do not wait until the first signs of cracking to apply lip balm.
For young children, parents need to choose lip products suitable for each age. Avoid using adult lip balms on young children. Choosing the right toothpaste, some toothpastes containing SLS can cause dry lips and the skin around the lips, especially with children’s skin.
When the condition of chapped lips persists, causing discomfort even to adults or children, or there are unusual symptoms associated with it, you need to see a doctor for examination and timely treatment.
Thuy Anh
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