Dry lips in winter time can be caused by dehydration which results from cold wind outside and dry heated air inside. Lips do not have sebum glands, so many people tend to lick their lips in attempt to relieve the dryness. This only makes the problem worse because saliva evaporates quickly leaving lips even drier than before.
Protective waxes can help protect dry lips by forming a pliable layer that prevents water loss from epidermis and also keeps the top layer of the skin elastic and supple, so that cracks do not occur. Avoid fruit or mint flavored lip balms because you'll be tempted to lick your lips more often! Unscented balms are best for dry lips.
To hydrate your dry lips from inside drink plenty of water and consider supplementing your diet with foods rich in vitamins A, B, and C. Best foods that contain all these three vitamins include broccoli, spinach, and green leafy veggies. Omega 3 fatty acids help maintain the integrity of skin cells so that they do not lose water too quickly. If you suffer from dry lips and generally drier itchy skin in winter time, I recommend aiming for daily supplementation with 2g omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, taken together.
Diet consisting of whole, simple, unprocessed foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, eggs, yogurt, nuts, tea, and water instead of whole milk, red meat, butter, potatoes, and sugar will help protect your skin from premature aging and dehydration.
Addiction to lip balms does exist. There's also a theory that lip balm addiction stems from a hand-to-mouth reflex but, in fact, many lip balms contain ingredients that only make lips drier, so you feel you must apply them more often. Petrolatum, paraffin, peppermint, camphor, cinnamon and synthetic fragrance irritate and actually dehydrate lips, so you reach for a lip balm more frequently. Plus, people get used to the cooling, tingling sensation on their lips.
Synthetic lip balms provide only temporary relief. Instead, look for real skin conditioners such as cocoa and shea butter, coconut and olive oils, and vitamin E. This way, your lips will stay soft for longer, and you won't need to reach for your lip balm too often.
Many ingredients of conventional lip balms are toxic and potentially carcinogenic. This includes parabens preservatives, aluminum-based colorants, phthalate-containing artificial fragrances and flavors. Switch to organic lip balms that do not contain any artificial flavour or menthol.
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