Tinted oil: the right remedy for chapped lips.

Chapped lips are characterised by small surface cracks of varying depths, accompanied by dead skin. This phenomenon is due to the fact that the lips are covered with skin that is five times thinner than the rest of the body. They also have no sweat or sebaceous glands responsible for their hydration and protection. That's why the skin of the lips is particularly delicate, dehydrates and damages easily.

The factors that contribute to chapped lips are diverse and varied: environmental conditions (wind, cold, heating air, pollution, sun, etc...), smoking, moistening one's lips with saliva too often, breathing through the mouth, taking certain medicinal treatments, ageing, allergies, regular exposure to pool chlorine, and a diet that is too acidic or too spicy.

For minor and less painful chapping, regularly applying a tinted lip oil can be a preferred option. Indeed, these hybrid formulas are single-phase oily in nature, meaning they are composed solely of lipophilic compounds (fatty substances). Among the ingredients typically found are one or more vegetable oils, one or more waxes to provide consistency, as well as active ingredients and preservatives in smaller quantities.

Active molecules can serve functions such as plumping the lips, providing a warming effect to the treatment, or even smoothing fine lines. However, it is the vegetable oils that will be relevant for soothing chapped lips. Indeed, rich in fatty acids, they deposit a protective film on the surface of the lips, preventing external factors from further harming these delicate mucous membranes. Therefore, favour a tinted oil enriched with vegetable oils known for their nourishing properties such as the jojoba and/or anti-inflammatory ones like calendula.

Caution! If the chapping is too severe, a tinted oil is not recommended. Instead, consult a dermatologist who will guide you towards suitable pharmaceutical products.

Furthermore, it is important to note that the UV rays from the sun significantly dry out the lips. Applying a lip balm containing a high SPF factor before each exposure remains the best solution to prevent chapped lips.