Chapped and cracked lips: effective methods of restoration and protection

What is cheilitis on the lips?

Quite an unpleasant condition, since chapped lips cause significant aesthetic and physical discomfort, accompanied by peeling, inflammation (redness, swelling), cracks, a feeling of tightness, itching, and sometimes pain, which intensifies when talking or while eating.

There is a special term that is used to describe inflammation of the red border of the lips, corners of the mouth and adjacent mucous membrane of the oral cavity - Cheilitis on the lips. Contrary to popular belief, cheilitis is common not only among people with sensitive skin or various diseases, among which atopic dermatitis is predominant. This phenomenon also occurs in healthy children and adults, and its development is based on the influence of many unfavorable factors, among which are:

• the influence of weather conditions (sharp fluctuations in temperature and humidity, strong wind, excessive insolation);

• vitamin deficiency (lack of micronutrients in the body);

• traumatic and irritating effects (the habit of biting and / or frequently licking lips);

• allergic reactions to the ingredients of care products (lipsticks, cosmetics, toothpaste) or food products.

Certain structural features of the skin of the lips increase their susceptibility to the negative effects of the above factors, which makes this area one of the most susceptible to the development of dryness and inflammation, which form the picture of chapped lips. Thus, the skin of the lips is much thinner than on other parts of the body, it does not have sweat and sebaceous glands, the secretion of which is involved in maintaining the level of hydration (hydration) of the skin and the formation of a protective hydrolipidic mantle on its surface. In addition, the skin of the lips contains fewer melanocytes, which makes it more sensitive to the adverse effects of ultraviolet sunlight. And given that this area is also subject to constant stretching when moving and opening the mouth, a violation of the integrity of the skin is very often observed, with the formation of cracks through which irritants, allergens, and pathogenic microorganisms penetrate, maintaining inflammation and increasing the risk of infection.

Chapped lips do not heal: what to do?

• Use a specialized non-irritating lip balm, the components of which will have a complex effect. Because restoring the protective barrier and reducing inflammation requires not only moisturizing and softening the skin of the lips, but also improving the regenerative and metabolic processes of epidermal cells, as well as providing antibacterial and soothing effects.

Very often, many people mistake discomfort after applying a low-quality lip care product, such as burning and tingling, for a sign that the product's active ingredients are working. But this is not the case! These symptoms indicate further irritation of the mucous membrane and skin of the lips, so the use of such products should be discontinued.

What ingredients in products should be avoided

Always pay attention to the texture and composition of the care product you choose. Very often, they contain ingredients that should be avoided on sensitive lip skin. For example, menthol, cinnamon, and salicylic acid can irritate the skin and adjacent mucous membranes, and also significantly dry out the red border of the lips. Mint, eucalyptus, lanolin, and various fragrances are fairly common allergens that can only aggravate existing dryness and inflammation. High camphor and essential oil content makes the care product more greasy, sticky, and unpleasant to apply to the skin of the lips, which can lead to a disruption of the epidermal barrier, irritation, an allergic reaction, and an increased risk of infection.

Hypoallergenic moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin, are more preferable components. The natural plant oils and triglycerides present in the formula, in the right proportions, restore and maintain the structural integrity of the epidermal barrier and nourish the skin with vitamins A and E, which have antioxidant properties. The antibacterial effect can be achieved through the inclusion of chlorhexidine and minerals (zinc, copper, and magnesium), while this multimineral active complex additionally stimulates cellular energy metabolism. Dexpanthenol and centella asiatica leaf extract are primarily used to quickly heal microcracks and chapped corners of the lips. All these ingredients are combined in the Scinoplast DUO LIBREDERM restorative lip balm, which has a light, non-sticky texture. For a lasting effect, apply the product with clean hands in a thin, even layer 2-3 times a day and as needed, for example, after licking your lips, washing your face, before bed, and 10-15 minutes before going outside. This will help reduce the adverse effects of the environment. If possible, apply lip balm every 2 hours while outdoors.

• Avoid traumatic and irritating factors, including licking or biting your lips, as well as prolonged contact with acidic and spicy foods. You can protect sensitive lips by applying lip balm before meals. Try to develop the habit of applying lip balm instead of licking your lips. This tactic can also be used for children. Scinoplast DUO Restorative Lip Balm is suitable for use from the first day of life and will not cause serious negative consequences if it accidentally comes into contact with the mucous membrane of the child's mouth;

• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Take vitamin and mineral complexes to maintain healthy skin, it is especially important to maintain normal levels of vitamins A, C, D, E and trace elements - zinc, selenium. Taking omega-3 fatty acids is also a useful supplement;

• Protect your lips from wind and extreme temperatures by covering them with a scarf made of materials safe for sensitive and atopic skin (cotton, linen, or silk). On sunny days, use specialized sunscreens from pharmacy dermatocosmetic lines;

• Maintain adequate oral hygiene: insufficient oral hygiene or overly aggressive brushing with improper flossing can cause additional trauma to the lips;

• If you have skin conditions, follow the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor. In case of long-lasting, painful lesions of the skin of the lips and oral mucosa, consult a specialist.

Remember that cheilitis must be treated, otherwise, if it continues for a long time, it can lead to serious complications and adverse effects that can be easily prevented by following the rules for caring for the skin of the lips listed above.

Explains Nikolay Nikolaevich Murashkin, MD, Professor, Head of the Dermatology Department with a Laser Surgery Group, Head of the Research Institute of Pediatric Dermatology of the Federal State Autonomous Institution "National Medical Research Center of Health Care" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, President of the Interregional Public Organization "Society of Pediatric Dermatologists".