The cold has reared its ugly head, and with it the chapped lips. No matter how much you hydrate, nothing works? Here’s a little-known reason why your mouth stays dry.
Winter rhymes with drought. Nothing is spared, whether it is the body, the hair or the face and therefore very often our lips. In fact, in this area the epidermis is more fragile than elsewhere. There are several reasons for this. The first? “One of the main differences between the skin on our lips and the rest of the body is that it is much thinner, usually having only 3 to 5 layers in total, compared to up to 16 on the face“, explains Dr Justine Kluk, dermatologist, to the British version of the media Glamor. She adds: “Our lips also lack the upper layer of the epidermis, called the stratum corneum (stratum corneum), which has a protective function, preventing dehydration and fighting UV rays..” The other key difference is that they do not contain any oil glands found elsewhere on the skin. They are therefore more likely to dry out and crack because they do not have natural oils to nourish them.
On a daily basis, there are many reasons why our lips can suffer. If cold temperatures put a strain on the mouth, a vitamin deficiency, an allergy or even passing your tongue too much also damages it. Another lesser-known bad habit can have consequences: friction from facial expressions, like pursing your lips. Of course, it’s difficult to control your reactions throughout the day, but it’s a factor to consider if you often have chapped lips despite using tons of balm. The movements made when eating or speaking also participate.to skin damage and cracking, especially if they are already vulnerable.”
But then, in addition to paying attention to these famous frictions, what can we do to treat a mouth injured by the cold? First of all, we forget about grandmother’s remedies such as petroleum jelly which will only provide temporary relief but do not repair anything and do not help to moisturize the area. For an emergency solution, “look for a product rich in both oil and water to hydrate and nourish.“After a proper study of the label, we opt for ingredients such as argan oil, castor seed oil, shea butter or jojoba oil. In addition, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides are essential active ingredients for repairing the epidermis.
As the saying goes: prevention is better than cure. So, don’t hesitate to pamper your lips throughout the day with rich balms, and in the evening you apply a thick layer of a night mask. The editor’s little tip? For a hydration boost, using a hyaluronic acid serum before the treatment has a miraculous effect.
