Having chapped lips can be very painful and even embarrassing. Yet with the constant cold weather of this time of year, getting chapped lips may seem inevitable. According to your Milford family dentist, Dr. Mitchell I. Quintner, lips become chapped because of a lack of moisture, and the winter season is accomplished in sapping the moisture from lips very quickly. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to protect your lips from the harsh weather this winter season.
Preventing Chapped Lips
- Moisturize your lips. As chapping occurs because of a lack of moisture, reason dictates that keeping lips moisturized is a good preventive measure. Lip balm, therefore, may be your best friend during the winter season. You should also drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, which will help in keeping your lips moisturized. Lastly, consider using a humidifier indoors. The winter season is generally very dry, a prominent reason as to why lips are prone to chapping at this time of year. Fight this dryness in your home with a humidifier to keep your lips infused with moisture.
- Avoid exposing your lips to the cold. Your lips are not likely to become chapped if you stay indoors all winter. However, remaining cooped up in one spot is not very exciting or practical. Therefore, when you do travel outdoors, try to keep your lips covered. Wrap a scarf over the lower half of your face and don’t linger too long in the harsh elements.
- Don’t lick your lips. Licking your lips on a windy winter day can really accelerate chapping. The cold wind will remove the moisture from your lips very rapidly if they are wet. Therefore, in order to keep yourself from succumbing to this urge, apply lip balm before going outdoors.
Lip Balm and Sun Protection
One often-overlooked benefit of wearing lip balm is that many of today’s balms contain an element of protection against the sun. Unprotected lips may develop cancer as a result of exposure to harmful rays. Thus, when you are stocking up on lip balm this winter season, be sure to look for products that contain an SPF factor of 15 or higher.
Sensitive Care Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is proud to serve the Milford area. Patients can contact our office at 203-878-6699 to schedule an appointment or a consultation.