Here are the answers to your numerous queries regarding chapped lips.
Recurring questions about chapped lips.
- 1. Why do we get chapped lips?
- 2. What are the good habits to prevent chapping?
- 3. What are the aggravating factors of chapped lips?
- 4. How to choose the right lip balm?
- 5. Are there any ingredients to avoid when purchasing a lip balm?
- 6. How often should one apply a lip balm for it to be effective?
- 7. Can a balm be used as a base before applying lipstick?
- 8. Can a lip balm be used on other parts of the body?
1. Why do we get chapped lips?
The lips are a part of the body where the epidermis is the thinnest and most delicate, much like the area around the eyes. Not secreting a hydrolipidic film and not being equipped with sebaceous glands — responsible for the production of sebum and sweat — the lips naturally suffer from a lack of natural lipid supply. Hence the appearance of chapping, the quintessential symptom of a dehydrated and dried out lip.
2. What are the good habits to prevent chapping?
The initial instinct will be to moisturise the lips using a natural ingredient such as aloe vera. The second will be to provide a lipid supplement that will nourish the epidermis, thanks to plant waxes like shea butter or coconut oil.
3. What are the aggravating factors of chapped lips?
Cold, dryness, and winter air (which is drier than autumn air) all contribute to lip dehydration. However, we often overlook the significant danger posed by UV rays, as well as the drying effects of pollution, and factors such as tobacco use, poor body hydration, and a diet high in salt.
4. How to choose the right lip balm?
Everything will depend on the degree of dehydration and dryness of the lips. The higher it is, the more crucial it is to turn to very rich butters. Depending on the time of year, it may be beneficial to alternate with the use of lighter oils, which will act in prevention rather than repair.
5. Are there any ingredients to avoid when purchasing a lip balm?
Some ingredients can create the illusion of healing, such as petrochemical derivatives like mineral oils. While they provide an immediate sensation of comfort due to the oily film they deposit on the lips, they have an occlusive effect that can exacerbate dryness by preventing the epidermis from breathing. The problem is merely postponed, but the chapping inevitably returns! The occlusive effect of silicone, which provides a smoothing finish, is sometimes overlooked. Finally, the nanoparticles contained in some glosses can also penetrate the epidermis, causing damage to the lips.
6. How often should one apply a lip balm for it to be effective?
As often as necessary, if the composition is clean and based on natural origin ingredients. Over time, with repeated applications, the feeling of discomfort returns less and less quickly. It is advisable to prevent chapping by applying a balm even before discomfort is felt, at a rate of once or twice a day, throughout the year.
7. Can a balm be used as a base before applying lipstick?
Indeed, because plant waxes and butters will help to smooth out the irregularities of the lip. However, be sure to let the balm dry properly, to prevent the lipstick from 'smudging' during application.
8. Can a lip balm be used on other parts of the body?
Everything depends on the composition. If it's a combination of various plant waxes and butters, it can also be applied to dry areas of the body such as elbows, knees, ankles... Being highly nourishing, there is however a risk that they may be comedogenic. By blocking the pores, they can promote the appearance of spots. In the case of a tinted balm, it can be used as a blush to lightly colour the cheeks. But again, be wary of their overly greasy finish which may encourage blemishes!
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