I'm a dermatologist, and here's how to ensure you never have chapped lips again.

S.O.S chapped lips! This perennial winter woe might just become a thing of the past, thanks to some golden advice from a seasoned New York dermatologist.

chapped lips

When temperatures plummet and icy winds dominate, our lips often bear the brunt. Unlike the resilient skin on other parts of our body, the delicate tissue of the lips lacks oil glands, making it especially vulnerable. As the cold sets in, lips tend to dry out, crack, and even peel—a discomfort that is all too familiar. The urge to bite at flaking skin might feel oddly satisfying at the moment, but this habit is far from harmless.

Let’s be honest: who hasn’t succumbed to the temptation of peeling away a piece of dry skin from their lips? The fleeting relief is often replaced by regret as the metallic taste of blood invades the mouth. Worse still, the exposed, raw surface becomes a magnet for stinging cold, leaving you with pain that’s far more severe than the initial dryness. Prevention, it seems, is the real cure, but knowing how to remedy the problem is equally crucial.

Lip Balms: The Double-Edged Sword

When lips start to crack, the reflex is almost universal: grab a trusty lip balm and slather it on liberally. While this might seem like a no-brainer, Dr. Mark Strom, a New York-based dermatologist and social media sensation known as @dermarkologist, reveals that this go-to solution could be doing more harm than good. The culprit? Specific ingredients are hidden in many popular balms.

Lip balms with ingredients like phenol, menthol, or salicylic acid can actually make dryness worse,” Dr. Strom explains. “As your lips become drier, the urge to reapply becomes even stronger. This cycle leads to even greater dependence and worsening chapping.” Artificial colors and flavors, often added to make products more appealing, are no better. These compounds irritate the already fragile skin, compounding the problem.

What Works Instead of Lip Balm?

If conventional lip balms are not the saviors we thought they were, what’s the alternative? Dr. Strom advocates for two powerhouse remedies: hyaluronic acid and Vaseline.

Hyaluronic acid, renowned for its hydrating properties, isn’t just for anti-aging serums. Applying a small drop directly to the lips and allowing it to dry can work wonders. This ingredient draws moisture to the skin, replenishing hydration levels and encouraging healing.

For nighttime care, Vaseline is the dermatologist’s top recommendation. Known for its occlusive properties, Vaseline acts as a barrier, locking in moisture. “Apply it generously, like spreading cream cheese on a bagel,” advises Dr. Strom. During the night, the thick layer works its magic, deeply nourishing the lips and restoring their softness by morning.

A Word of Caution

Dr. Strom also warns against another common mistake: licking your lips. Although it might seem like a natural way to add moisture, saliva’s enzymes actually break down the skin’s protective barrier, exacerbating dryness and cracking.

In conclusion, while chapped lips might feel inevitable during winter, avoiding harmful habits and embracing these dermatologist-approved remedies can keep your lips smooth, soft, and pain-free all season long.

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