Lip care
In this guide, we'll talk about the specific characteristics of lips, the ingredients to look for in products specially designed for this delicate area, the mistakes not to make, and also recommendations for sticks, balms and masks specially designed for lips. Lips require special care, as their anatomy is totally different from the rest of the face (see other FACIAL CARE).
Why is it important to take care of your lips?
The skin on our lips is much thinner and more fragile than the rest of the face. It has only 3 to 5 layers of cells (compared to about 16 for facial skin) and has neither sebaceous glands nor sweat glands to produce protective oils and sweat. Without this natural hydrolipidic film, lips are less well protected and dehydrate very quickly. Poorly cared for lips can become dry, chapped, painful, and may even develop cracks that can become infected. Conversely, well-moisturized lips are not only more comfortable, but also more beautiful and protected from external aggressions.
Common causes of dry or chapped lips
Several everyday factors can dry out and chap your lips. Understanding these common causes allows action to be taken at the source:
- Cold and dry climate: In winter, low temperatures, wind, and dry air (outdoors or due to heating) damage the skin barrier of the lips and accelerate water loss. As a result, the skin on the lips dries out, peels, and cracks easily.
- Sun exposure (UV): The sun can burn the lips, as they contain very little protective melanin. Unlike the rest of the skin, the lips do not tan and are very vulnerable to UV rays. Without sun protection, they suffer from dehydration, premature aging, and even an increased risk of precancerous lesions or skin cancer on the lip in the long term.
- Lack of internal hydration: Not drinking enough water contributes significantly to dry lips. The dehydration of the body is reflected in the thin skin of the lips, which chaps more easily.
- Aggravating habits: Se lick one's lips Repeatedly licking your lips is a common reflex when your mouth is dry, but it's a mistake: saliva evaporates and removes moisture of the skin, which further aggravates dryness. In addition, digestive enzymes in saliva can irritate the fragile skin of the lips. Similarly, constantly breathing through the mouth by mouth Further dries out the lips due to the flow of air. Biting your lips or picking at small pieces of skin also aggravates cracks.
- Irritants or medical factors: A excessive consumption of tobacco or alcohol can dry out the mouth and lips. Certain very spicy or acidic foods can cause local irritation. Sometimes, constantly chapped lips can indicate a vitamin B deficiency, a fungal infection (in the corners of the mouth, for example), or other health problems.
Anti-UV lip stick
Lip balms
In a nutshell, our lips suffer as soon as they are exposed to a harsh environment or become dehydrated. Fortunately, there are simple solutions for every cause, as summarized in the following table.
Table: Main causes of dry/chapped lips and their solutions
| Common cause | Recommended solution |
|---|---|
| Cold, wind, dry air (winter) | Protect your lips with a rich, covering balm before exposure. Cover your mouth with a scarf in freezing weather. Use a humidifier indoors if necessary. Drink enough water even in winter. |
| Sun and UV rays (summer) | Apply lip balm with a sunscreen SPF 30+ before any prolonged outing. Reapply every 2 hours, especially after eating, drinking, or swimming. Wear a hat to shade your face if necessary. |
| Dehydration (lack of water) | Hydrate from the inside: drink plenty of fluids. 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day to maintain skin hydration. Limit excessive alcohol and coffee consumption, which dehydrate the body. |
| Licking or biting the lips | Avoid licking your lips—use a balm instead to relieve tightness. Never bite or pick at dead skin: this creates cracks and delays healing. |
| Irritating habits or products | Do not smoke, or protect your lips from smoke. Rinse your mouth after eating very spicy or acidic foods. Choose a lip balm without camphor, menthol, eucalyptol, perfumes, or alcohol (drying ingredients). Choose neutral balms made from wax, oils, or glycerin. |
Daily skincare routine for healthy lips
- Internal hydration Drink enough water throughout the day.
- Applying balm in the morning Use a moisturizing balm, ideally with SPF if exposed to the sun.
- Daytime care Reapply the balm regularly, especially after eating or drinking.
- Evening routine (night) Apply a more nourishing or repairing treatment before bedtime.
- Gentle weekly exfoliation : Light exfoliation once a week with a soft brush or warm cloth.
Table: Essential steps in your daily lip care routine
| Step | Description |
| Internal hydration | Drink throughout the day (approx. 8 glasses of water) to hydrate the skin from within. |
| Morning protection | Apply a moisturizing lip balm every morning. rich in nourishing agents. Choose a balm with SPF 30 if exposure to sunlight is expected. |
| Daytime application | Keep a lip balm with you and reapply it regularly (every 2-3 hours or as soon as your lips feel tight). |
| Evening care | Before going to bed, apply a repairing balm generously on the lips. |
| Weekly exfoliation(optional)* | Once a week, Gently exfoliate your lips (using a soft toothbrush or gentle scrub). Moisturize immediately after exfoliating. |
Seasonal tips
In winter
- Apply a rich balm more often.
- Cover your lips with a scarf or neck warmer.
- Drink regularly, even if you are not thirsty.
- Avoid drying lipsticks.
In summer
- Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher.
- Drink plenty of water to compensate for perspiration.
- Reapply the balm after swimming or meals.
- Wear a hat to shade your face.
Mistakes to avoid
- Lick one's lips.
- Remove dead skin.
- Breathe through your mouth.
- Use products containing camphor, menthol, or alcohol.
- Forget sunscreen.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I always have dry lips? This can be caused by environmental factors (cold, wind, sun), poor hydration, or habits such as licking your lips. Identify the cause and adapt your skincare routine accordingly.
How can you quickly treat chapped lips? Apply a repairing balm several times a day, avoid touching your lips, and stay well hydrated. Give your skin time to regenerate.
Should you exfoliate your lips? Yes, but gently. Once a week is enough, using a soft brush or a very mild scrub.
Why use a balm with SPF? Lips can burn in the sun. SPF prevents sunburn and premature aging.
What if my lips remain dry despite everything? Consult a healthcare professional to rule out allergies, deficiencies, or underlying conditions.
Fonseca A, Jacob SE, Sindle A. Art of prevention: Practical interventions in lip-licking dermatitis. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2020 Jun 5;6(5):377-380. doi: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.06.001. PMID: 33898702; PMCID: PMC8060673.
H. Cheng, J. Konya, E. Lobel, P. Fernandez-Penas
Patch testing for cheilitis: A 10-year series
Dermatitis, 30 (6) (2019), pp. 347-351
Dyall-Smith, 2010, Greenberg et al., 2017, Zhou and Pratt, 2018).