Why your chapstick is actually making your lips more chapped

Winter comes with its fair share of beauty problems, and if not careful chapped lips are right up there with static-shocked hair and those itchy red dry spots you get around your nose from blowing too much. (Rather unfortunate for selfies.) We always keep lip balm on hand

We need lips to talk, take duck-face selfies and kiss our loved ones. That's why dry, chapped lips can not only be itchy and painful, they can be downright embarrassing. Although repeatedly applying lip balms and products may not be the solution.

Lip balms provide only temporary comfort and sometimes can make scaly lips even drier.

To technically explain it happens when the thin film of moisture from the lip balm evaporates, it dehydrates the lips even more. Starting a vicious cycle!

Although lips might seem very delicate from the rest of our skin, they’re actually quite similar. Just like the rest of our skin the outermost layer, which forms a protective barrier over the others — is much thinner inside the lips and, therefore, more vulnerable to damage.

Additionally, lips don't have oil glands of their own to provide moisture like that. Instead, the oil from glands surrounding our lips provides moisture. Licking your lips or applying a thin layer of gloss, balm, or anything externally to supplement that moisture may sound like a good idea, but it can be the worst thing you do to solve because it can lead to further dehydration.

The market contains lip balms that contain ingredients that can be irritating or especially drying. Menthol, salicylic acid, cinnamic aldehyde, and peppermint flavors are to be blamed. Certain people are unaffected by these ingredients, but those with sensitive skin or allergies may be more sensitive to them on their lips. The drier the lips, the more you’ll need the lip balm.

Shiny glosses and oils are also known to intensify damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, focusing the rays But because lips have less melanin — the pigment that gives skin its color — the skin cells in your lips are more likely to sustain sun damage if you use shiny lip products.

Doctors recommend using a thick, emollient lip balm or ointment with SPF in it to thoroughly protect your lips. Glycerin or plain old petroleum jelly are key ingredients to look for! You can also try using a humidifier at home, which will replenish moisture in the air and, eventually, in your lips. Note to drink more water to stay hydrated from the inside out.

Try out our range of natural lip balms made from hemp seed oil and essential flavours & rich butter.