The winter season not only impart dry skin but lips as well. Once that cold air hits, our lips start to peel, chap, crack and feel uncomfortably dry. BeautyStat got in touch with dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank — giving us some helpful tips when trying to moisturize our oh-so-dry lips. Read on to find out how to prevent chapped lips from happening in the first place, including which products and treatments to use to ensure that your lips will remain plump, supple and smooth! Also, learn what some of BeautyStat‘s editors wear on their lips. Maybe one of your favorites made the list!
1) Why are the lips so prone to dryness and chapping especially during the winter months?
Mucosal skin (ie: lips) does not have the dead skin protective layer that shields from the drying elements. In colder parts of the country, skin is more likely to dry-out and become rough. Travel, flying and poor hydration also adds to chapped lips as it is usually a first sign of dehydration.
2) How should we treat this condition?
Protection is key with petroleum based moisturizers like Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($5.99).
Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank
3) Should we be exfoliating our lips?
We should never exfoliate the lips, as there is no dead skin to remove generally.
4) Why do we constantly re-apply lip balm?
We reapply mostly because of the rapid absorption of things into the lips, and because it is often partially lost to the outside elements or inside of the body.
5) What types of lip balms or treatments are great for dry/chapped lips?
Gloss is a better choice, as it is more emollient and gives shine to the lips. Lipstick can be difficult for people with dry lips, as the ingredients can sometimes clump and flake on the lips. Deeply pigmented and matte lipsticks in particular also contain stronger pigments, which can irritate lips and cause peeling. A crème gloss is a great choice, which will add color and shine to the lips.
Here are some of BeautyStat‘s editors favorite lip balms/treatments:
“Gentle, pleasingly fragrant and very effective, Organic Health’s Beeswax Lip Balm (2 for $3.99) is a 100% natural product that soothes and protects. It contains beeswax, coconut oil, sunflower oils and peppermint oil; it does NOT contain phthalates, sulfates, petrochemicals or parabens. I stock up every winter and keep a tube in every purse I own including pockets, night table, etc.” – Yona McDonough
“eos Medicated Balm ($2.99 evolution of smooth) is shaped like an egg and looks so cool sitting on my desk. It is packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil. It keeps lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth. It’s 95% organic, 100%, petrolatum and paraben-free.” – Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist
“Smith’s Rosebud Salve ($6.00) is my favorite lip balm of all time! I am a huge fan of petrolatum based lip balms, as they leave a nice layer of shine on the lips. It contains cotton seed and other essential oils, and can be used everywhere on the face to your cuticles “ – Theresa Romano, BeautyStat managing editor
“I love this Alaffia Baobab & Shea Lip Balm ($2.99)! It actually smooths and seems to exfoliate my lips at the same time. It’s also certified with fair trade shea butter.” – Jill Goldsberry
“I use a balm as a nightly routine to keep my lips looking their best! Aerin’s Rose Lip Conditioner ($28.00) has the delicate scent of roses, which I always find comforting. But Jouer’s Essential Lip Enhancer ($14.00) also acts as a volumizer, as it has clinically-proven Maxi-Lip TM in it! You cannot go wrong with either of these!” – Nicole Gordon Levine, senior beauty writer
“I love Rodial’s Glam Balm Lip lip balm ($25.00) because it’s non-greasy. It has a pleasant, non-overpowering rose scent. Also, it plumps up the lips while still letting them look natural.” – Erin Sutera, senior beauty writer and makeup artist
Do any of you lovely ladies suffer form dry lips during the winter? What do you think of the tips? Did any of your favorite lip balms make the editors’ list?
Let us know by commenting below (you just might win a free sample)! Make sure to check out our Pinterest page by clicking HERE! And don’t forget to get the latest beauty and skincare news by following us on Twitter @BeautyStat!
For more giveaways and contests, sign up for our newsletter HERE.
If you like this post, share it with your friends and give it a LIKE on Facebook.
– Theresa Romano
