It does not matter whether it is summer or winter, especially people who complain of dry lips can use lip balm at any time of the year. It is a topical product that moisturizes and protects you from dry and cracked lips. It often contains waxes and oils that lock in moisture and eliminate dryness. Therefore, they are very useful in places with cold or dry climates where the natural oils on the lips are easily stripped. Most of the time this lip care product works. However, not everyone may agree as there are people who think that lip balm dries out the lips. Is there any truth to this claim?

What are the benefits of lip balm?

This product is often part of the daily skin care routine, especially for people whose lips are prone to dryness and cracking. “Unlike other parts of the body, lips are susceptible to drying because they do not have oil glands. Applying lip balm can help create a protective layer and retain moisture,” says the aesthetic doctor and beautician. Doctor Karuna Malhotra.

• Its main benefits are hydration, which helps prevent annoying chapped lips.
• Some lip balms contain sun protection factor, which provides sun protection that protects lips from harmful ultraviolet rays and reduces the risk of sunburn.
• Medicated lip balms may contain ingredients such as menthol and camphor, which can provide a soothing effect upon application.
• Some formulations contain antioxidants such as vitamin E or herbal extracts that may protect against free radical damage.

Does using lip balm dry out lips?

You may want to save money and go for low-quality lip balms, but this is not a smart thing to do; because this can dry them out instead of moisturizing them. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis In July 2024.

Additionally, some lip balms can cause dry lips due to ingredients that irritate or dry out the skin. according to American Academy of Dermatology AssociationAvoid these ingredients if available chapped lips:

• Camphor
• Eucalyptus
• Flavors such as mint, cinnamon and citrus flavors as these can further irritate chapped lips.
• Smell
• Menthol
• salicylic acid

“Ingredients such as menthol, camphor and phenol, which are often added for a cooling sensation, may initially soothe the lips, but over time they can strip the lips of natural oils, leading to further dryness,” says Dr Malhotra. Alcohol-based ingredients, which are commonly used for their quick-drying properties, can also cause dry lips. salicylic acidAdded to exfoliate dead skin, it may be too harsh and cause irritation and dryness, especially for sensitive lips. Additionally, synthetic fragrances and flavors can irritate some people and cause lips to become inflamed or peeling. Choosing balms that do not contain these ingredients can help prevent a drying effect on the lips.

Lip balm dries out lips: Stop being addicted

Be careful not to become too dependent on this lip care product, as well as the lip balm’s ingredients that dry out the lips. “Overuse can lead to lip balm addiction and cause lips to dry out without it. This can occur because some lip balms create a protective barrier that traps moisture without adding any new moisture, so frequent reapplication can lead to a cycle in which lips never retain their natural moisture.” ” explains the expert.

Reapplying the product every few hours or whenever really needed is usually sufficient to prevent lips from drying out. “In places with very dry climates or extremely dry lips, applying 3-4 times a day will be sufficient. Applying before bed can also help keep lips moisturized throughout the night,” says the expert.

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Lip balm dries lips: Choose the right ingredients

Ingredients found in lip balm that may help heal chapped lips American Academy of Dermatology Association –

• castor oil
• hemp seed oil
• Mineral oil
• shea butter

Lip balms made with natural, moisturizing ingredients are less likely to dry out your lips. Look for natural oils like shea butter, cocoa butter and coconut oil, castor seed oil, hemp seed oil, jojoba oil and olive oil, which deeply moisturize without stripping the lips of their natural oils. “hyaluronic acid and glycerin are excellent moisturizers by drawing moisture into the lips and keeping them hydrated,” says the expert. Beeswax and candelilla wax can create a barrier to lock in moisture without irritating your skin. Vitamin E and aloe vera are gentle and soothing ingredients that help heal and protect lips.

Lip balm dries lips: Alternatives to keep lips moist and soft

“Even without lip balm, there are other things that will help keep lips moist and soft,” says the expert.

• Drink enough water to keep your body and skin, including lips, well moisturized throughout the day.
• Gently exfoliate your lips once a week with a sugar scrub or a soft toothbrush to remove dead skin cells.
• To prevent lips from drying out, use a moisturizer, especially in dry indoor environments.
• Avoid licking your lips as saliva evaporates quickly and can leave lips drier than before. Protect your lips with a scarf in cold weather and use a lip product with SPF to further protect them, especially when going out in the sun.
• Follow a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support skin and lip health.

Using lip balm regularly can create a smoother texture on the lips, making them feel softer. However, be careful of some ingredients such as menthol and camphor as lip balms dry out the lips.