“Lip balms containing ingredients like phenol, menthol and salicylic acid actually make your lips drier. So you apply more, and it becomes a vicious cycle.” Some of these product also cause a tingling feeling when you apply them. This either causes irritation or removes outer layers of the skin, like an exfoliant.
No matter how good your lip balm is, if you're applying it too often it will end up doing more harm than good. This is because the lips become reliant on the product and lose the ability to moisturise themselves.
You should try to use lip balm in moderation. In fact, some dermatologists believe that overuse could cause your lips to stop producing natural oils. They also caution that you could feel dependent on the balm for moisture. Despite these warnings, it's still safe for you to use lip balm every day.
Chapped lip season is here, which means you've likely been reaching for your favorite chapstick. But not all lip balms are made the same, and some can even make a dry lip situation worse, experts say.
Apply a non-irritating lip balm (or lip moisturizer) several times a day and before bed. If your lips are very dry and cracked, try a thick ointment, such as white petroleum jelly. Ointment seals in water longer than waxes or oils. Slather on a non-irritating lip balm with SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors.
Allergic reactions to Vaseline are rare, though they can occur. Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling of the lips and a burning or stinging sensation. If your lips are chapped to the point of bleeding, Vaseline that's been contaminated with bacteria from your fingers could cause an allergic reaction.
Lip balms provide only temporary comfort, and some types can make scaly lips even drier. That's because, in part, when the thin film of moisture from the lip balm evaporates, it dehydrates your lips even more.
Chapped lips are the result of dry, cracked skin on your lips due to cold or dry weather, sun exposure, frequently licking your lips or dehydration. You can treat chapped lips at home with the use of lip balm or ointment to ease any discomfort.
Chapped lips are typically caused by environmental exposures that lead to irritation, including saliva and licking your lips, spicy foods, and cold, dry weather, says Dr. Zeichner. The common cold and sun damage can also cause chapped lips, he adds, as well as medication like cholesterol-lowering agents.
While the formulation of this product does contain moisturizing ingredients, it also contains ingredients that are known to potentially trigger allergic contact dermatitis of the lips, including flavors and lanolin. This is why I don't recommend this product for those with dry, chapped lips.
Stop licking your lips: Many people suffer from a repetitive habit of licking their lips. This repetitive friction and irritation causes a darkening of the lips and even the surrounding skin.
“You have to reapply it regularly after eat and drinking,” says Dr. Waldorf. Water left on the lips from food or drink can also evaporate, adding to dryness.
Cold, wind, and lousy winter weather are all contributing factors. And during the summer months, frequent sun exposure is often to blame. This time of year, dry winter weather can damage sensitive, exposed mucous membranes. Cold air and little humidity can cause your lips to crack and peel.
See a dermatologist if your problem persists. Chapping that doesn't heal, despite regular use of lip balm, can be a sign of infection or a more serious problem, like cancer or a precancerous condition called actinic cheilitis.
Chapped lips should heal in two or three weeks, but you should consult with your dermatologist if the problem persists. Chapped lips that do not heal can be a sign of an allergic reaction, yeast infection or something more serious, like actinic cheilitis.
Keep your lips winter-safe by applying a coat of Vaseline on them overnight. Keeping it on overnight will seal in the moisture and soften and smoothen your lips.
People can get pink lips naturally by using simple treatments, such as lip balms, scrubs, or masks. However, the effect will be temporary. Many at-home treatments that make the lips more pink work by increasing the blood flow to the area, which will eventually return to normal.
Reduce lines under eyes.
Lip balm will hydrate the area under your eyes, which reduces the appearance of lines. Make sure you use a soft brush instead of applying lip balm directly from the tube since this skin is extra-sensitive.
Tanned Lips
You apply a sunscreen on your face before stepping out in the sun, but your lips too bear the brunt of the scorching heat and often get tanned. The skin on the lips is very delicate and often needs most care and hence your job just doesn't end at applying some lip balm.
Trauma or injury. A bruise can form on one or both lips following an injury. This can cause your lips to be partly or entirely purple or black. Dry, cracked, and severely damaged lips, including burns, can also turn lips dark.
Causes of dark lips
excessive exposure to the sun. lack of hydration. cigarette smoking. allergic reactions to toothpaste, lipstick, etc.