Lip care is often underestimated, brushed aside in favour of other elements in a skincare routine. Dry, chapped lips can be a constant source of discomfort, especially during harsh weather conditions. Yet, dry lips can be a tell-tale sign of various medical conditions or reflect poor hydration.
What's Behind Your Dry Lips?
Dry lips, medically known as cheilitis simplex, are commonly characterised by chapped, flaky, and often inflamed lips. While usually a benign condition, it can sometimes indicate underlying medical conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
Dehydration
Inadequate water intake can lead to dry, chapped lips and other health issues. When dehydrated, your body lacks the necessary fluids to maintain healthy skin, including the delicate skin on your lips.
Allergies
Allergic reactions to certain foods, medications, or cosmetic products can cause dry, irritated lips. Allergic contact dermatitis is one example where an allergen comes into contact with your lips, leading to inflammation and dryness.
Angular Cheilitis
This inflammatory condition affects the corners of the mouth, causing redness, cracking, and sometimes painful sores. Dry lips can be a symptom of angular cheilitis, which nutritional deficiencies, infections, or skin irritations may cause.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Lack of vitamins, particularly B vitamins like riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pyridoxine (B6), can contribute to dry lips. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and zinc deficiency may also lead to skin problems, including dry lips.
Sjogren's Syndrome
This autoimmune disorder affects the body's moisture-producing glands, resulting in dryness of the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. One of the symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome is dry, cracked lips.
Thyroid Disorders
Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can cause dry skin, including dry lips. It is because thyroid hormones are crucial in maintaining skin health and regulating natural moisture levels.
Diabetes
High blood sugar levels in people with diabetes can lead to dehydration and dry skin, including dry lips. Additionally, diabetic neuropathy can reduce saliva production, contributing to dry lips.
Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy patches of skin. Eczema can affect the lips as well, leading to dryness and chapping.
Hydration and Your Lips
Proper hydration is the cornerstone of overall health, including skin and lips. Dehydration can lead to dry, cracked lips, which might serve as your body's distress signal, urging you to drink more water. Water aids in maintaining your body's moisture levels, flushing out toxins, and promoting overall skin health, making your lips look healthier and plumper. Unlike the rest of your skin, your lips lack oil glands, making them more susceptible to drying.
Why You Should Moisturise Your Lips
Just like the skin on your face and body, your lips require proper care to keep them healthy and comfortable. Regular moisturising is a crucial part of this care.
Unlike other parts of your skin, your lips don't have oil glands responsible for keeping the skin moisturised. This lack makes your lips more prone to dryness and chapping. Hence, moisturising your lips helps to replenish this lost moisture, giving you smooth, healthy-looking lips.
A well-moisturised lip prevents dryness and cracking and creates a protective barrier against harsh environmental factors. It includes factors like cold temperatures, dry air, and wind, all of which can strip moisture from your lips.
How to Moisturise Your Lips Naturally
Natural remedies can effectively hydrate and replenish your lips without the risk of adverse reactions from certain synthetic products. Here are a few methods:
Use a Natural Lip Balm
Look for lip balms made with natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil.
Exfoliate Your Lips Gently
Regular exfoliation can help remove the dead skin cells on the surface of your lips, allowing your lip balm to penetrate more deeply.
Avoid Licking Your Lips
It might seem like licking your lips can temporarily relieve dryness, but the saliva quickly evaporates, leaving your lips even drier than before.
Hydrate
Drinking water throughout the day can hydrate your skin and lips from within.
Use natural oils
Coconut oil, olive oil, and even almond oil can be excellent natural moisturisers for your lips. Just dab a small amount on your lips before you sleep and let the oil work its magic overnight.
One Balm to Rule Them All: Discover the Magic of Universal Restorative Balm
The Universal Restorative Balm is a 100% natural, ancient Egyptian recipe that offers intense moisturisation for your lips and other extra dry areas. This all-in-one formula nourishes, regenerates, and repairs, making it ideal for a variety of uses:
Hand Cream
Use this balm as a daily hand cream to keep your hands smooth, soft, and hydrated.
Lip Balm
Apply it to your lips for a deep moisturising experience, leaving them soft and supple.
Soothing Skin Irritations
It can relieve various skin irritations and accelerate the healing process.
Moisturising Extra Dry Areas
Apply this balm on areas prone to dryness, such as elbows and heels, to keep them hydrated and prevent cracking.
Hydrating and Preventing Split Ends
Use it on your hair ends to provide hydration and prevent damaging split ends.
Facial Repair Mask
Apply a thin layer of this balm on your face overnight and wake up to rejuvenated, deeply moisturised skin.
Soothing, Itching and Inflammation
This balm can soothe itching and inflammation caused by various skin conditions.
The strength of the Universal Restorative Balm lies in its carefully selected, all-natural ingredients, each providing unique benefits to your skin:
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil (Olive Oil)
Olive Oil is renowned for its hydrating properties. It deeply nourishes and moisturises the skin, keeping it soft and radiant.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Sunflower Seed Oil)
Packed with Vitamin E, this oil promotes skin health and combats dryness.
Cera Alba (Beeswax)
Beeswax forms a protective layer on the skin, preventing moisture loss and shielding it from environmental damage.
Aqua/Water
An essential component for maintaining skin hydration, supporting the other ingredients to function effectively.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a potent humectant that draws moisture to the skin, ensuring deep hydration.
Propolis Extract, Mel Extract (Honey), Royal Jelly Extract
These ingredients are well known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory benefits. They are perfect for repairing damaged skin and maintaining skin health.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects and repairs your skin, enhancing its natural healing process.
Squalene, Beta-Sitosterol
These ingredients offer excellent moisturising benefits, replenishing your skin's natural oils and promoting hydration.
Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
As natural preservatives, they ensure the freshness and efficacy of the balm, extending its shelf life.
Embrace the time-tested wisdom of ancient skincare with the Universal Restorative Balm, a truly versatile addition to your beauty routine. This potent, all-natural formula harnesses the power of nature's finest ingredients, serving as a tribute to holistic healing and skincare. Click here to order yours today.
