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.
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
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.