A woman's age is revealed by her skin. A flabby neck, pronounced nasolabial folds, a blurred oval of the face, wrinkles on the forehead and around the mouth, “crow’s feet” in the corners of the eyes - you can give enough signs that indicate the biological age of a lady. Changing the skin of the lips, not for the better, is also included in this impressive list. Over time, it becomes less hydrated, causing it to crack and peel; duller, paler, less elastic, softer. Among other things, with age, lips lose their natural volume. But don’t despair - all of the listed defects can be corrected if you take a closer look at lip rejuvenation
!
Causes of cracked lips
In order for the treatment of cracked lips to be as effective as possible, and for the wounds to not appear on the skin again, you should understand the reasons for their appearance.
Damage to the epithelium of the lips can occur for various reasons:
- Dry skin caused by unfavorable weather conditions.
- Dry indoor air.
- Allergic reaction to various drugs, hygiene products and cosmetics.
- Bad habit of biting and licking lips.
- Mechanical damage to the skin of the lips.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and other diseases of the body.
- Lack of vitamins and other microelements in our body.
It is not enough to use only ointment for cracked lips. First of all, you should find the cause of the appearance of wounds on the skin and eliminate it.
Important! If you cannot determine the cause of cracked lips, consult a doctor. Perhaps the reason lies in some disorders or diseases of the body. After undergoing treatment, you can not only solve the problem of cracks, but also improve your health.
Which moisturizing lip balm should you choose?
- Atoderm moisturizing lip balm from Bioderma will provide daily care for the delicate skin of your lips. It will have a restorative effect, provide proper nutrition and soothe irritated skin. Eliminates dryness and feeling of tightness. This balm guarantees a reduction in skin sensitivity and does not cause side effects.
- Lipidiose moisturizing lip balm from Vichy cares for dry and lifeless lip skin. Its active components promote the healing of wounds and cracks, and removes redness on the lips. This balm has a very delicate and light texture that can be applied under lipstick.
- Nutritic moisturizing lip balm from La Roche-Posey is suitable even for very dry lip skin, which is constantly exposed to the harmful effects of external factors: sun, wind, cold. The balm eliminates the tingling sensation, heals cracks, tightens the skin, making it less sensitive. The texture of the balm is not at all greasy, which is instantly applied and easily absorbed.
A moisturizing lip balm should always be in your purse. It should be applied twice a day. It is best to use it before going outside and at night. After applying this moisturizing lip balm, you will immediately feel your skin calming down and becoming softer and more delicate. And the procedure is not at all complicated. Take care of your lips, because a lot depends on a smile these days.
Choosing a healing ointment
The selection of ointment for cracked lips should also be based on the cause of their appearance:
- If your skin lacks moisture, use moisturizers.
- For those who are often exposed to the sun, it is recommended to use lipsticks with SPF.
- In winter, it is important to protect the skin of the lips with nourishing ointments with beneficial vitamins and microelements.
- Give preference to ointments with oils, vitamin complexes and extracts.
- Preparations based on dexpanthenol are very effective.
- For cracked lips, ointments containing components that retain moisture are recommended.
- Use protective ointments to protect your skin from irritating external factors.
What drugs are best avoided:
- Preparations containing salicylates can damage the surface layer of the epithelium.
- Vitamin E very often provokes an allergic reaction and cracking of the skin of the lips. It is recommended to replace this vitamin with vitamin A.
- Ointments containing menthol cause lip irritation and may make the situation worse.
- Do not use ointments with intense fragrances.
Advice! It is recommended to give preference to pharmaceutical drugs. Consult your pharmacist and carefully study the composition of the drug.
Volume for whom? 10 cosmetics for seductive lips
Regular lip care and the right makeup can work wonders.
Want to instantly get plumper, brighter lips? Choose plumper glosses that increase blood flow due to “irritating” ingredients: extracts of red pepper, mint, ginger or cinnamon. Depending on the composition of the product, you will feel a slight tingling, warmth or coldness on your lips. The volume effect lasts for two to three hours.
Skincare cosmetics act gradually, but have a rejuvenating effect: over time, lips become fuller, fine wrinkles are smoothed out, and the contour becomes clearer. Such products should contain hyaluronic acid and collagen - components related to our skin.
Tony Moly Scrub with fine granules gently polishes the skin of the lips, leaving them soft and smooth. Contains natural jojoba and macadamia nut oils, which nourish and protect the thin skin of the lips, preventing re-flaking. It is recommended to use 2 times a week.
Gentle lip scrub Tony Moly Kiss Kiss Lip, 429 RUR.
Artdeco lip gloss gives your lips maximum volume. First, red pepper extract increases blood flow, making lips look brighter and fuller. Secondly, the gloss gives the lips an intense gloss and fills in wrinkles. Thirdly, small sparkling particles additionally reflect light, visually adding even more volume to the lips.
Lip volume gloss with pepper extract Artdeco Hot Chili Lip Booster, 1000 rub.
Holika Holika lip care consists of three steps: a cotton cloth gently cleanses and exfoliates, a hydrogel patch mask with collagen and vitamin E intensively moisturizes, and a nourishing essence with honey extract and royal jelly gives lips softness. This spa procedure eliminates microcracks and restores the firmness and elasticity of the lip skin.
Lip care set Holika Holika Golden Monkey Glamor Lip, RUB 290.
Lancome's softening ultra-glossy gloss gives lips visual volume from the first application. A polymer complex and mineral oils smooth the surface of the lips, menthol improves blood circulation, and a sugar-pink tint creates a natural-looking finish. The aromatic note of almond makes the lips even more seductive.
Lancome Gloss In Love Volumizer, 2,000 rub.
One L'Oreal Paris product performs four functions at once: it cares for the lips, gives them a glossy shine, visual volume and maintains the durability of the lipstick color. It causes a cooling effect on the lips, increasing blood flow and smoothing out small cracks and wrinkles. The comfortable formula lasts for a long time without feeling sticky.
Lip volume gloss 4 in 1 L'Oreal Paris Infaillible Top Gloss, 450 rub.
Teana lip contour mask provides a prolonged anti-aging effect. Contains collagen, which restores firmness and elasticity to the lip skin, and linseed oil, rich in Omega fatty acids, especially effective for dry and aging skin. After the procedure, the lip contour will become clearer, fine wrinkles will disappear, and the skin will become soft and nourished.
Alginate modeling mask for lip contour Teana “Aphrodite’s Smile”, 550 rub.
Dior nourishing lip balm visually plumps up lips from the first application. Contains natural collagen, which allows you not only to give your lips additional volume, but also to make them smooth, elastic and soft. The light menthol effect improves blood circulation and makes the natural color of the lips brighter.
Lip volume gloss with collagen Dior Lip Maximizer, RUB 2,300.
One bottle of Dr. Brandt combines three products in one: care, volume and filler. A complex of natural oils and extracts - from sunflower to jojoba - nourishes, softens and eliminates dry lips. Antioxidants and vitamin E stimulate the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid for a rejuvenating effect. Finally, the product smoothes out fine wrinkles along the contour and gives the lips additional volume and sensuality.
Filler for restoring lip contour Dr. Brandt Lineless, RUB 2,500.
The Face Shop hydrogel mask saturates the delicate skin of the lips with vitamins: just apply the patch for 10-15 minutes and then massage in the remaining emulsion. It contains natural extracts: cherry has an antioxidant effect, collagen makes the skin elastic, peony restores its elasticity, and witch hazel has an antibacterial effect.
Hydrogel moisturizing lip mask The Face Shop Modeling Gel Patch, RUB 260.
L'Etoile gloss formula includes marine collagen and hyaluronic acid, which instantly fills wrinkles and uneven lips, giving them additional volume. The light menthol effect increases blood flow and stimulates renewal processes. The translucent soft pink shade gives lips glossy shine and sensual volume.
Lip volume gloss with collagen “L'Etoile” Starlette Volume Activateur Collagene, RUB 699.
Photo: warnet.ws
Good healing ointments
The ointments listed below for cracked lips have an excellent healing effect. They moisturize the skin and regenerate the cells of the sensitive epithelium of the lips.
Bepanten ointment
The drug is widely used for healing, protecting and restoring the skin. The ointment contains dexpanthenol, a substance that is a derivative of vitamin B5. Despanthenol perfectly moisturizes and softens the skin of the lips. The ointment regenerates the skin and also protects it from negative external influences.
Price: 300 rub.
Solcoseryl ointment
This drug has an active healing effect. Solcoseryl ointment is recommended for various skin lesions, including the delicate epithelium of the lips. The basis of Solcoseryl is dialysate, which activates metabolic processes. The ointment heals small cracks and wounds on the skin, helps activate the protective properties of the skin and has some analgesic effect.
Price: 300 rub.
Boro-plus ointment
The herbal preparation Boro-plus contains a whole complex of natural components. It contains sandalwood oil, turmeric, and aloe. This remedy is recommended for various skin lesions. Boro-plus heals cracks and wounds on the lips.
Price: 55 rub.
Moisturizing lip balm: will give your lips tenderness and softness
Moisturizing lip balm helps us get rid of cracks, jams, wrinkles and other signs of poor lip skin condition. What is the difference between a moisturizing lip balm and a cream?
- The texture of the balm is soft and enveloping, which reliably retains moisture and prevents the formation of peeling, irritation and microtrauma.
- The balm has a denser and more abundant consistency, which allows it not to spread and deliver beneficial healing components deep into the skin.
- Moisturizing lip balm contains a huge amount of bioactive substances, much more than in creams, which is why lip balm is also called medicinal.
- Moisturizing lip balm can be in the form of a stick lipstick, cream, bottle or tube. Such packaging is always convenient to carry with you to work or on a trip.
Typically, moisturizing lip balms contain a wax base; it forms a protective film that holds its shape well, does not allow moisture to evaporate, and makes the skin of the lips firm and elastic. The wax base also helps soften the skin and smooth out wrinkles on the lips. The moisturizing lip balm also contains ultraviolet filters that protect delicate skin from the harmful effects of free radicals.
Vegetable oils, in particular coconut, castor, almond, mango, cocoa, shea butter, jojoba, tea tree and others, moisturize the skin, strengthen and nourish it. Antioxidant vitamins improve skin immunity and protect it from premature aging. Vitamins A, B, F and E prevent cracks from forming and prevent inflammation. Medicinal herbal extracts (calendula, sage, chamomile) help relieve inflammation and redness, soothe the delicate skin of the lips and heal microtraumas and wounds. Antiherpes components and squalene prevent the formation of “colds” on the lips.
Natural Remedies
People who have chapped lips ask dermatologists how to treat a cracked lip. Lips are a very sensitive and easily irritated part of our face. With microcracks, dryness and peeling of lips, it’s time to talk about problems in the body. In such cases, it is unlikely to get rid of it with ordinary cream.
It is important to adhere to not only useful, but also safe methods of therapy. Chapped lips are not just a phenomenon. He has his own reasons for this.
Dry lips and microcracks are not at all attractive. A person begins to experience discomfort, since the lips are the most important receptor in the body. Cracks on the lips are formed due to certain reasons that need to be understood. Only after this can treatment be prescribed. So, the reasons for cracking may be the following:
- Dry skin - chapping of the face can occur under the influence of weather (cold, wind) or hygienic facial care products (lipstick, lip gloss). You will need to moisturize and soften the skin.
- Irritation from toothpaste is an individual intolerance to fluoride, which is so rich in many dental care products. A person can contract not only allergies, but also dry lips.
- Nicotine – smoking weakens not only the lungs, but also the lips. The skin takes on a dry appearance, and after some time it completely cracks.
- Troubles associated with the gastrointestinal tract - most often intestinal infections. The body gives us signals, one of which is dry lips. It’s time to talk about the presence of herpes, candidiasis or dysbacteriosis. The best thing to do is go to the hospital.
Women suffer most from chapped lips. And it is beauty that destroys them, no matter how paradoxical it may sound. The use of branded lipsticks, lip glosses and various types of wax crayons leads to irritation on the face.
On top of that, lips become vulnerable to cold wind and frost. In this regard, it is recommended to carefully select your cosmetic arsenal.
Poor quality products can cause chapped lips.
Treatment process
The aesthetically unflattering condition of the lips can cause some discomfort to their owner. Cracking often leads to infectious diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to begin the process of treating cracked lips as soon as possible. In this regard, doctors distinguish several stages:
- getting rid of the causes that caused lip damage;
- direct treatment of the skin near the mouth;
- preventive measures against recurrence of the disease.
Before determining the treatment method for cracked lips, you need to understand the cause of the problem. For example, cracking was caused by dry skin.
The treatment method will consist of moisturizing and softening the face using external agents in the form of cream, ointment, etc. The body will need to replenish the vitamin complex lost due to dryness. Therefore, it is also recommended to recharge your batteries.
There will be a general improvement in the functioning of the body, and the skin and lips will regain their original appearance.
If staphylococci, streptococci or fungi are detected, it is necessary to undergo a full course of treatment from a specialist. Under the influence of bacteria, the lips may become covered with pustules. Their abscess and development are fraught with general infection of the body.
Immediate diagnosis is required, which is carried out in a medical institution. During therapy, the doctor will prescribe painkillers or drugs to restore the skin.
The wounds will begin to heal, and the skin will return to its previous shape.
At the same time, chapped lips can be caused by less significant reasons. In this case, traditional methods of eliminating the problem are suitable. You can use improvised means that are available in every home. So, let’s figure out how to treat cracked lips at home:
- Honey - bees produce a very strong antiseptic, which has a softening effect on human skin. It is enough to lubricate your lips with natural honey a couple of times a day. It's both tasty and healthy.
- Vegetable oil - cocoa, sea buckthorn oil or calendula tincture. They have a softening effect on the surface of the lips. The cracks are gradually disappearing. Using a cotton swab, apply the oil to your lips before going to bed.
- Aloe juice – Take a leaf of the plant and then squeeze out all the juice. Using cotton swabs, apply the product to cracked lips.
The frequent appearance of cracks on the lips is a signal for prevention. If the surface of the mouth becomes chapped or red, it is necessary to lubricate the lips. Hemp oil is perfect. In the morning you will not feel any dryness or cracks on your lips.
You can use flaxseed oil as a cream. In winter, and especially windy weather, it is advisable to lubricate your lips with natural fat. The base is badger fat, Vaseline or butter. By moisturizing your lips, you will protect them from cold air.
We suggest you read: What can cause inflammation of the trigeminal nerve?
Dry lips are a reason to constantly carry hygienic lipstick in tubes with you. During the day, you can lubricate your lips with cream to prevent them from drying out. In hot weather, glosses with sun protection are used.
An unhealthy diet can also cause chapped lips. Include oatmeal, fruits, dairy products, herbs and butter in your daily diet. Sometimes cracks are formed due to excessive consumption of sugar and flour products. By eliminating them from your diet, you can get rid of dry skin.
Prevention includes rinsing the mouth, taking culture tests, checking the blood for globulin and iron. Diabetes can also cause cracks, so only the underlying disease is treated.
Don't forget about regular lip massage. This way you can ensure blood flow and eliminate dryness. Avoid biting or licking your lips, especially in winter. It is important to carefully carry out prevention so as not to self-medicate.
Cracks can appear both on the lips themselves and near them - in the corners. If you have such a problem, you need to react in a timely manner - get tested, because getting rid of cracked lips is possible only by identifying the causes, among which the most common are the following:
- Dry skin: This can cause your lips to become very chapped. To moisturize, it is enough to make masks and use nourishing creams;
- Allergy to cosmetics or hygiene products;
- Mechanical damage;
- Habit of licking lips;
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Activation of herpes or candida fungi;
- Vitamin A deficiency or excess;
- Lack of vitamins B2 or E.
Knowing the reasons why lips crack, one can assume the presence of the disease based on several signs:
- If your lips hurt and crack, this may indicate dehydration or simple mechanical damage;
- If your lips crack and bleed, it may be due to a lack of vitamins B2 and B6;
- With a deep chronic fissure of the lip, several options are possible: permanent injury to the mucous membrane, hypovitaminosis of vitamins A and B, diabetes mellitus, skin infections;
- If your lip cracks and does not heal, there is a lack of moisture.
If your lips crack until they bleed and pus comes out, you should not self-medicate: perhaps the cause of everything is the presence of an infection. In all other cases, you can independently use any of the proven methods:
- If your lips crack during pregnancy, eat more vegetables and fruits, because... they contain many vitamins;
- Apply ointments: they are effective even when cracks on the lips do not heal;
- Make masks that help if the lip is cracked in the middle or there are jams.
Grandma’s recipes as a way to cure a cracked lip are quite simple, and judging by the reviews, they are effective.
To treat cracked lips, folk remedies such as sea buckthorn oil, ghee, and butter are used. These products help moisturize your lips without the use of chemical ingredients and are easy to obtain.
Sea buckthorn oil is sold for a nominal price in every pharmacy, and butter or fat of animal origin (for example, pork) is almost always available in the refrigerator.
Aloe juice helps a lot, it is applied to the lips. This is a good remedy, and there is nothing wrong with it, since aloe is taken orally.
There are also several good recipes that can be easily prepared at home:
- You need to mix a teaspoon of ghee and half a spoon of dry cocoa. This mixture must be brought to a boil and, after cooling, used as an ointment against dry lips.
- You need to mix a teaspoon of carrot juice and a teaspoon of cottage cheese. The resulting mass should be applied to the lips for 30 minutes a day.
- You need to mix a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of pre-melted butter. Place the resulting mixture in the refrigerator. The ointment strengthens the lips and heals them; this product can be applied an unlimited number of times during the day.
Lip care in the autumn-winter period is very useful; you can see what and how to do in the video material.
It is also very important to maintain a drinking regime, drink at least 2.5 liters of clean water. Humidify the room you are in.
2. Masks made from vegetable oils will also moisturize and soften the skin, prevent the appearance of new cracks, and relieve itching and discomfort. The most popular are olive oil and, as mentioned above, sea buckthorn oil. It is recommended to lubricate your lips with oil before going to bed - this will give your skin time to completely absorb the oil.
3. You can use fresh fruits and vegetables for masks. For example:
- You can apply applesauce with honey or butter to your lips;
- For dry lips, a mask made from carrot juice (contains vitamin A) with cream or sour cream (mix a teaspoon of juice and cream) gives very good results.
4. Powder made from pomegranate bark powder helps a lot.
5. You can saturate your lips with vitamins and nutrients by lubricating them at night with natural products such as:
- – honey; – carrot juice; – cucumber juice.
6. Aloe juice is also considered effective, as it copes with inflammatory processes and moisturizes the skin. Therefore, if you have this plant in your home, tear off and cut the leaf, squeeze out the juice and apply it to your lips. It is worth noting that this product has a rather unpleasant bitter taste, so not everyone dares to lubricate their lips with aloe juice.
Honey and Vaseline
Criterias of choice
The sensitive skin of the lips is affected daily by negative factors: wind, cold, dust particles, sun rays and dry air. The bad habit of licking and biting lips also aggravates the situation.
This delicate and sensitive organ does not have sebaceous glands, so it often cracks, becomes inflamed, swells and flakes.
If the problem is not associated with some general disease or long-term use of medications, it can be eliminated at home. The main thing is to choose the right care or remedy. There are many of them on the shelves of stores and pharmacies. How not to make a mistake with your choice?
Mandatory components that must be in an effective care product:
- Substances that retain moisture and create a protective layer. This is beeswax, cosmetic paraffin or Vaseline.
- The composition should contain a combination of hydrants - agents that attract and retain moisture: hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, glycerin or sorbitol, coconut oil, shea butter or evening primrose.
- The SPF factor is an important condition for care, protection from ultraviolet radiation.
It is also necessary to check the composition for components that are harmful or may cause allergies. What to avoid:
- Intense aroma. Citrus, mint, caramel and other “sweet” scents in cosmetics come from cinnamates - crystalline compounds from which long-lasting, balsamic scents are obtained. In leave-in products there should be no more than 0.001%.
- Phenol or menthol content. These components can aggravate the situation: increase sensitivity or cause irritation.
- Vitamin E. Experts say it's best avoided. Frequent use may provoke an allergic reaction.
- Salicylates, which dry out the upper epidermal layer. Such components are allowed only in medicinal products with a short course of use.
If you don’t have a balm on hand, ordinary natural oils - olive, almond, peach - are ideal for dryness and irritation on the lips.
If you are prone to herpetic rashes, the following composition helps: for 4 drops of any oil - 1 drop of tea tree oil.