Lip Balm: Ultimate Dry Lip Treatment Or Waste Of Time?

When your lips are dry and chapped, the first impulse is usually to reach for a lip balm. But sometimes, even after applying a balm, your lips might still feel like they lack moisture.

Several reasons cause dry lips, one of which might be the perceived remedy most people habitually apply at the first sign of dryness: lip balm.

Also, because the skin on your lips is much thinner than the skin on your body and doesn't secrete protective oils, it's more susceptible to dryness. The elements can exacerbate chapped lips further. But with so many things working against you having your perfect, juicy pout, what's the right way to look after your kissers?

What Causes Dry Lips?

The first place to start would be to look at what the main culprits of dry lips are. Because the skin on your lips is as thin as it is, change of seasons can be especially unforgiving, and many people experience dry and chapped lips in drier, colder climates.

There can also be medical reasons, like allergies, infections, poor oral health, mouth breathing, and various other factors, including some medications.

Also, consistent lip-licking but among the widely overlooked reasons for dry lips is irritation from fragrances, flavors, and some ingredients in lip products.

How To Tell If Your Lip Balm Is The Problem

If you suspect your balm isn't serving you as well as it could, reduce the frequency at which you apply it. If your lips feel better, you might have caught the culprit.

The results of this little investigation might point to you having to either change lip products or, reducing how often you apply lip balm.

Ways To Combat Lip Dryness

Make sure you're staying hydrated from the inside out because dehydration can cause dry lips but also, bodies thrive when they are sufficiently hydrated.

While we may attribute dry lips with the cold, and rightfully so, it's not to say that the sun can't also cause dry lips. Extended exposure to UV rays can cause dry, chapped lips, too, so make sure you protect your lips with a balm containing SPF.

Furthermore, when purchasing a balm, consider the ingredients in your balm. You generally want to see ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or natural oils. On the other hand, camphor, phenol, and menthol are ingredients that might be better to steer clear of, advises board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara to "Allure."