This Might Be The Reason Behind Your Chapped Lips, According to One Dermatologist

During the winter months, many of us are plagued by chapped lips. But according to leading dermatologists, chapped lips may be caused by something other than cold dry weather. Chapped lips may actually be caused by your grooming products. Because skin on the lips is very thin and sensitive, it doesn’t have sufficient oil glands, which makes them especially susceptible to drying out. This condition also makes the lips particularly sensitive to chemicals such as phenols, menthol, and sodium lauryl sulfate, all common ingredients in toothpaste and lip balms. In other words, these products could be acting as irritants, which can lead to redness, itching, and flaking of the lips.

If you are prone to chapped lips, try switching to brands like Tom’s Natural Toothpaste or Curaprox Toothpaste. Experts also recommend avoiding flavored formulas, which can also cause irritation. Traditional lip balms often provide only temporary relief, which leads you to reapply it often throughout the day. This creates a never-ending cycle where the lip balm may actually be contributing to your lip’s dryness. Instead of lip balms with several ingredients, simplify with Aquaphor or Vaseline, which contain just the basics. And if you do opt for a lip balm, make sure it’s an SPF product for extra protection.