What causes chapped lips

Chapped lips are a problem that many people have. There are many reasons for this condition. For example, it may be caused by external factors such as hot and dry weather, or it may be caused by a lack of some nutrients in the body. But no matter what the cause of chapped lips, you need to take certain measures to care for your lips. Below, we will introduce to you the causes and care methods of chapped lips!

1. Causes of chapped lips

First of all, the lips are mucous membranes. They have no sweat glands and no oil secretion function, so in the dry season, the lips will easily become dry. At this time, many people will lick or bite their lips with their tongue. Although the saliva temporarily moistens the lips, it will quickly evaporate and take away the moisture that is already scarce in the lips. As a result, the lips become drier and the more you lick them, the drier they become, which creates a vicious cycle of chapped and peeling lips.

In addition, saliva contains protein substances such as amylase. After the water evaporates, the amylase sticks to the lips and causes the contraction of the deep connective tissue and wrinkling of the lip mucosa, which makes the lips dryer and even causes infection and swelling, causing pain. The amylase protein remains on the lips and forms a scab together with the cells that fall off the lips. Since the tissue under the scab is incomplete, if it is torn off forcibly, it will cause more local exudation, thus forming more scabs.

2. The correct way to deal with chapped lips

1. Don’t lick your lips all the time, otherwise they will become drier; the correct way is to moisturize them with lip care products in time.

2. Don't peel off the skin with your hands, as this may tear your lips. You can first apply a hot towel for 3-5 minutes, then use a soft brush to brush off the dead skin on your lips, and then apply lip cream. If your lips are always dry, it is best not to apply lipstick.

3. When choosing lipstick, try to use long-lasting lipstick as little as possible, because long-lasting lipstick has a drier texture and will make your lips drier. It is better to choose lip gloss; or use lip balm before applying lipstick.

4. Use professional lip cream to exfoliate the lips; massage from the middle of the lips to both sides to prevent dead skin accumulation, do it once a month.

5. Before going out, before applying lipstick and before going to bed, use a lip balm containing vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E oil, which has good moisturizing and repairing functions; then use soft facial tissue to lightly press the lips to achieve double the effect.

6. People with dry or peeling lips should avoid eating spicy food.

7. It may be a lack of B vitamins, VA, and VC. Pay attention to supplementing these nutrients.

3. Notes

If your lips are already dry and cracked, remember not to lick them with your tongue. You can apply some lip balm or frostbite cream, or you can apply some peanut oil, sesame oil or honey. Drink more water and replenish enough water in time. Ensure adequate drinking water, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, and take some vitamin A or vitamin B. The symptoms of chapped lips will heal quickly.