What lip balm can do for chapped lips
A tube of lip balm may seem like a simple fix for dry, cracked lips, especially during winter when cold outdoor air and low-humidity indoor conditions can strip moisture from lips, according to the Associated Press.
Dr. Jenna Lester, a dermatologist at UCSF Health, said lip balm can help seal moisture into the lips. She described it as “a good barrier for the external forces,” such as “against cold wind.”
For most people, the article says, lip balm can be a useful ally against chapped lips. But not everyone tolerates the ingredients in over-the-counter products.
When balm ingredients can irritate
The AP reported that some people can’t take fragrances, flavors and preservatives found in popular balms. In those cases, balm can sting instead of soothe, the story said.
Dr. Caroline Mann, a dermatologist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, said some people describe trying products they expected to help but whose symptoms keep worsening. She said, “Those are the people who will say, ‘I tried these things. I thought my lips would get better, but they just keep getting worse and worse.’”
Ingredients dermatologists say to watch
The story pointed to specific ingredients that can trigger allergic reactions. It said people should watch for flavoring additives and lanolin, described as a waxy substance that comes from sheep and is included in many moisturizers.
It also said that formaldehyde, a preservative, and oxybenzone, an ingredient in chemical-based sunscreens, can trigger allergies. The AP reported that Dr. Mann said these allergic reactions are driven by the immune system and can occur at any time, after any number of product uses, and can last for months after a person stops using the product.
For people with sensitive lips, dermatologists recommended a fragrance-free, petroleum-based balm, typically listed as petrolatum on labels.
Other ways to soothe dry lips
The AP also described other steps for soothing chapped lips without lip balm. It suggested covering lips with a scarf when outside or using a humidifier indoors to counter dry air, and said dehydration can cause dry lips, making drinking water another safe option.
One behavior to avoid, the story said, is lip-licking. It reported that saliva can evaporate quickly and pull more moisture away, drying lips further.
When to see a dermatologist
If cutting back on balms does not stop the stinging, the AP said people should consider seeing a dermatologist to learn more.
Dr. Mann said, “If you do these things, you’ll get through the winter with soft, supple lips.”