The Secret to Beating Summer Chapped...

 

Chapped lips are no joke. They hurt when you smile, feel generally uncomfortable, and don’t exactly look great. Whether it’s the dry air in summer or the artificial heat and winds in winter, it seems you just can’t win.

Fortunately, there is a not-so-secret weapon you can use to fight chapped lips – SPF hyaluronic acid lip balm. But which is the best lip balm for dry lips? This article provides further information about the condition and offers recommendations for the best lip balm for chapped lips to achieve a smooth, supple smile.

What is the Best Lip Balm for Dry Lips?

There are various lip balms on the market, but which is the best lip balm for chapped lips? Here are some suggestions, all available from Natural Healthy Concepts.

  • Jane Iredale HydroPure Hyaluronic Lip Gloss: Jane Iredale produces skin care makeup that combines simplicity and beauty. Her hyaluronic acid lip balm provides hydrating benefits while plumping lips. It is available in a variety of attractive colors.
  • Naked Bee Organic Lip Balm: Naked Bee offers high-quality personal care products made with natural ingredients. Their lip balm is free of toxic ingredients and made with soybean oil, organic extra-virgin olive oil, organic herbs, vitamin E, and honey, which has both antibacterial and moisturizing properties.
  • Hyalogic Episilk HA Lip Balm: Hyalogic specializes in products that contain hyaluronic acid. Their lip balm also contains jojoba oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter, which help nourish lips. It promotes plumpness without harsh ingredients.  

Check out Natural Healthy Concepts’ hair, skin & nails products to discover other products that will help you look and feel your best.

What is the Science Behind Chapped Lips?

We all know what chapped lips are, but what’s the science behind them?

The skin on your lips is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on other body parts. They also don’t contain oil glands. Therefore, they are at higher risk of becoming chapped.

What are the Various Types of Chapped Lips?

There are various types of chapped lips (AKA cheilitis), and understanding these conditions will give you a better idea of what’s behind them:

  • Actinic Cheilitis: Frequent sun exposure
  • Angular Cheilitis: A fungal infection in the corner of the mouth
  • Contact Cheilitis: Allergic reaction
  • Drug-induced Cheilitis: A side effect of medication
  • Exfoliative Cheilitis: Caused by repetitive behavior like lip-licking
  • Infective Cheilitis: A viral or bacterial infection, like herpes simplex
  • Glandular Cheilitis: Thickening of the salivary glands
  • Granulomatous Cheilitis: Persistent lip swelling

Chapped lips can also be related to cold weather, a vitamin deficiency (specifically vitamin B or iron), or dehydration.

How to Avoid Chapped Lips

Dermatologists recommend the following tips for avoiding chapped lips:

  • Use a Non-Irritating Lip Balm: Lip balm is a no-brainer for treating dry lips, but the best lip balm for chapped lips will contain ingredients that moisturize rather than irritate. For example, castor seed oil, ceramides, and shea butter are great for lips, while menthol, lanolin, and eucalyptus are not. You may also use a lip moisturizer, like petroleum jelly, or an SPF lip balm to ensure protection.
  • Drink Water: Drinking water aids helps moisturize lips and prevents dehydration.
  • Avoid Licking, Biting, and Picking at Lips: Licking your lips may seem to moisturize them, but the saliva dries them out in the long run. Picking or biting your lips also irritates them and interferes with healing.
  • Keep Metal Items Away from Lips: Jewelry, paper clips, and other metal items can dry out your lips.
  • Use a Humidifier: A humidifier will help keep lips moisturized, especially while you sleep.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Lip Balm Good for Chapped Lips?

Hyaluronic acid is a slippery substance found in the body. It is concentrated in the joints, eyes, and skin. The substance supports mobility, hydration, and skin flexibility. No wonder it’s added to so many cosmetic products!

A 2021 study revealed the benefits of hyaluronic acid for lip augmentation. It was found to be an effective method for increasing lip fullness. The treatment also causes minimal side effects, demonstrating its safety for sensitive lip skin.

Considering its properties as a natural moisturizer that’s safe on the lips, we can conclude that hyaluronic acid lip balm is suitable for chapped lips.  

All seasons can be damaging to your lips. The best lip balm for dry lips will ensure you enjoy optimal wellness year-round. Which will you add to your personal care collection?

FAQs

What vitamin deficiency causes dry lips?

A B2 deficiency is one of the most common causes of dry lips. You may also experience chapped lips if you don’t get enough B3, B6, B12, folate, and iron in your diet.

What are the symptoms of actinic cheilitis?

You may be experiencing actinic cheilitis if your lips are constantly chapped, cracked, crusty, discolored (showing white or yellow patches or redder than usual), dry, scaly, and folded in spots.

How often should I use hyaluronic acid on my lips?

For best results, put hyaluronic acid on your lips twice a day. You may also apply a thick balm and leave it on overnight to relieve chapped lips.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.