Kojic Acid vs Salicylic Acid: Which One Is Right for Your Skin Concerns?

Chapped lips

Chapped lips can strike at any moment, no matter what time of the year. However, you are more prone to chapped lips in the winter season. Peeling, bleeding, and soreness are some of the inconveniences that accompany chapped lips. In this article, you learn about the causes of chapped lips, the symptoms, and the best treatment options available to you. There are certain measures you can take to prevent chapped lips and maintain healthy lips.

Reading time: 8 Minutes

Keynote

Chapped lips occur when your lips get dry, cracked, or inflamed
Cheilitis is a severe form of chapped lips that comes in different types
Factors such as cold weather, diet, stress, and dehydration can cause chapped lips
Chapped lips can be cured by hydrating well, using a humidifier, using lip balms and natural oils like jojoba and almond, and through gentle exfoliation

What Are Chapped Lips?

When you are trying to understand what are chapped lips, you must recognize their symptoms. These include becoming dry, cracked, or inflamed. If it gets too severe, then it is called cheilitis as it is the byproduct of infection. Cracked skin at the corner of the lips signifies cheilitis.

Types of cheilitis

There are different types of cheilitis that you can suffer from. These are listed below:

Angular Cheilitis: If you are inflicted by this kind of cheilitis then you will notice fungal infection at the corner of your mouth
Actini cheilitis: This is caused by overexposure to the sun
Drug-induced cheilitis: Caused by reaction to certain medications like retinoids
Contract cheilitis: Caused by allergic reactions
Exfoliative cheilitis: Caused by excessive lip-licking
Eczematous cheilitis: Caused by eczema flare-up
Granulomatouc cheilitis: Causes painless swelling
Glandular cheilitis: Thickens salivary glands
Infective cheilitis: Caused by viral or bacterial infections

What are the symptoms of chapped lips?

The symptoms of chapped lips include dryness, flaking, sensitivity, soreness, and bleeding. This means that you need to use lip care products promptly to treat it.

Causes of Chapped Lips

To understand what causes chapped lips, please continue reading:

Cold Weather: If you are exposed to cold, dry air, then it can lessen moisture in your lips, causing chapped lips.
Stress: If you are stressed, it can cause you to bite or lick your lips excessively, causing dryness.
Dehydration: Drinking less water can cause dry lips due to less hydration.
Be Careful of What You Consume: If you consume too much spicy, salty, or highly caffeinated foods and beverages, it can lead to chapped lips.

Do Chapped Lips Hurt?

Yes, chapped lips can be painful for sure. The peeling, cracks, bleeding, and inflammation can cause you a world of discomfort every day. What’s more? Eating salty or food high in acidic content can make it worse. To combat this, you must rely upon chapped lips treatment.

How to cure Chapped Lips?

Understanding how to cure chapped lips involves implementing a strategic approach:

Hydration: It is imperative that you consume enough water. Proper hydration is essential to prevent dry lips at bay. You can also use a humidifier.
Natural Oils: Using oil for chapped lips can help you restore moisture. Almond oil for lips is effective as it gives you hydration without any irritation. Meanwhile, jojoba oil for lips is a great pick too, as it is similar to the skin’s natural oils.
Use Lip Balms: If you use a good lip care balm, it can lock in moisture. Products with nourishing ingredients help keep your lips healthy. Lip balms with sunscreen are essential when you are outdoors.
Exfoliation: You can gently exfoliate your lips to help get away of dead skin cells. However, make sure not to overdo it as it may irritate your skin.

Remedies and Prevention

To prevent chapped lips, you must incorporate chapped lips remedy tips into your skincare routine. Listed below are a few:

Use a lip care balm that has SPF so that you are protected against exposure to sunlight.
Use almond oil for lips so that your lips remain soft.
Choose a lip balm with soothing and nourishing ingredients
Licking or biting your lips should be avoided as it makes your lips drier.

If you are aware of what causes chapped lips, you can easily have healthier lips. Using proper lip care products is imperative. You can cure chapped lips fast if you protect your lips regularly.

Frequently asked questions

What are chapped lips, and how do they differ from dry lips?

Chapped lips are the result of severity and manifest themselves in cracks and inflammation. Meanwhile, dry lips feel uncomfortable and do not show cracks.

How can I treat chapped lips at home?

If you want to effectively manage chapped lips at home, use a chapped lips remedy. This includes using a lip care balm or oil for dry lips. Alternatively, you can also use almond oil.

When should I see a doctor for chapped lips?

If you continue to have chapped lips, although you have tried home treatments or if you are not able to manage it on your own, then you must consult a doctor. Your doctor can chalk out an effective chapped lips treatment.

Can diet affect chapped lips?

Yes, your diet can certainly affect chapped lips. If your diet is devoid of the necessary vitamins and minerals, then it can cause cheilitis.

How often should I apply lip balm?

You should apply a lip care balm as and when required. Refer to the direction of usage as shared on the label. Furthermore, you can also consult your doctor depending on the severity of your condition.