Why are our lips chapped?
What is a chapped lip?
A chapped lip is a painful crack or cut that occurs on the skin of the lip. They are often caused by dryness and flaking of the skin. In addition to external aggressions, chapped lips can also be caused by compulsive habits such as scratching or biting of the lips. Chapped lips are often accompanied by redness, pain, itching and minor bleeding. They are more frequent in winter or during changes in weather.
External factors
Exposure to natural elements such as cold, wind and sun can cause chapped lips due to loss of moisture and dryness of the skin. Snowstorms, icy winds, and hot sunny days can all cause chapped lips. The skin layer of the lips is up to 5 times thinner than that of the skin, it is therefore more likely to suffer damage caused by extreme weather conditions or by a too air-conditioned environment for example. Using lip balms and sunscreens can help protect lips from damage caused by these elements.
Internal factors
Chapped lips can also be caused by internal factors such as dehydration, food allergies, or health conditions such as diabetes. Repeated movements during oral breathing can cause dryness of the lips, which will then lose in softness and elasticity. This can lead to cracking in the upper layer of skin on the lips.
If you notice frequent chapped lips, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying cause.
How to treat chapped lips
There are many natural remedy to alleviate chapped lips, such as applying olive oil, cocoa butter or honey to the lips. It is also important to maintain good hydration by drinking enough water and using hydrating products such as lip balms. At Druide, we love the benefits of shea butter for our balms. Shea butter is made from the nuts of the shea tree. It is rich in fatty acids, vitamins and minerals which help to hydrate and repair dry and damaged skin. In addition, use of shea butter can help protect the lips from damage caused by external elements such as cold and wind.
In general, prevention is the best way to treat recurrent chapped lips. By using moisturizing products, protecting the lips from natural elements, and maintaining overall good health, you can reduce the risks of having chapped lips. It is also important not to bite or scratch chapped lips, as this can cause additional damage and slow the healing process.
In summary, if you have chapped lips, the right reflex is always to have a lip balm with you to be able to moisturize your lips as needed and as often as possible. Using a lip balm can help reduce evaporation and maintain a good level of hydration by forming a protective film on the lips.
