Also known medically under the name of eczema, atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease, characterized mainly by the appearance of dry, itchy skin. In other words, the condition causes the skin to become excessively dry, so that dehydrated skin in turn causes uncomfortable and annoying itching.
There are different types of atopic dermatitis, with hand eczema and contact dermatitis being two of the most common. But are not the only ones. Dyshidrotic eczema can also arise, which is a form of eczema where blisters form and occurs only on the fingers, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
As we have mentioned, there are basically three characteristic symptoms of atopic dermatitis: dry skin, itching and red rashes. In fact, it’s extremely common for itchiness to develop into an uncomfortable red rash, especially during an outbreak, due to the resulting inflammation that causes increased blood flow. On the other hand, it is known that there are a number of different physical and internal factors that can end up triggering an eczema flare-up.
But this is not all: the sensation of wanting to scratch as a result of the itching, and the scratching itself, causes the itching to increase and the itching of the skin to increase even more, which is why it ends up being enormously difficult to fight against. both the physical and psychological components that drive this cycle. In fact, according to the experts, although it is true that scratching helps reduce itching and makes us feel good at that moment, little by little it can end up causing more inflammation.
It is more common to arise especially among babies and young children. In babies, for example, it is extremely common for the skin to become dry, scaly and also itchy. It is also common for them to have a rash on the scalp or cheeks. In children, the symptoms also go on to produce a skin rash in the folds of the elbows and knees, scaly patches that form in the places where the rashes have occurred, the skin becomes thick and also extremely dry and scaly.
Thus, adults who suffered from atopic dermatitis as infants or children may have discolored skin, which is often too easily irritated.
However, did you know that the lips can also be affected by atopic dermatitis? In these cases, it is also known by the names of lip dermatitis or eczematous chelates, and causes a series of characteristic symptoms, such as dryness, redness and peeling of the lips.
What is labial dermatitis or eczema on the lips and why does it arise?
Lip dermatitis, as its name might help to indicate, is a type of atopic dermatitis that arises mainly on the skin of the lips. Although it is true that eczema itself (that which affects the rest of the skin) can also affect the skin around the lips, when these are more affected it is usually due to a specific type of eczematous cheilitis.
Similarly, there are different types of atopic dermatitis on the lips, including irritant contact cheilitis, which occurs as a result of external irritation; allergic contact cheilitis, which consists of an allergic reaction to a certain product; and angular cheilitis, which develops primarily as a result of a fungal infection, usually Candida, or a bacterial infection.
The symptoms that usually arise when topical dermatitis tends to also affect the lips are usually: red rash that occurs both on and around the lips, peeling and dryness, itching, pain, inflammation and a constant burning sensation.
There are a number of factors that can trigger lip eczema. Therefore, when there are different outbreaks over time, it is vitally important to try to identify them to reduce the risk as much as possible. They mainly highlight certain products for the lips (such as the existence of some specific chemical components of lipsticks), fragrances or certain soaps, pollen, stress, changes in hormonal levels and the weather (in fact, the dry skin characteristic of climates cold and dry temperatures can make atopic dermatitis much worse).
As many dermatologists believe, although it is true that eczema that appears both on the skin and on the scalp is tremendously common, when it also occurs -and forms- on the lips, it is usually particularly uncomfortable and bothersome.
And although there are some risk factors that influence its appearance, there are two common causes. First of all, it may be because the skin has become excessively dry. Second, the immune cells that because inflammation could be to blame for the appearance of redness and irritation. Nor should we forget that there are external causes that can trigger atopic dermatitis on the skin, such as indoor air conditioning, the weather (cold, for example) or the use of skin care products that can end up being very irritants.
It is also known that some people have a certain propensity to develop atopic dermatitis, especially in genetically predisposed individuals, which means that the skin is not as capable of retaining water, and the immune system tends to produce a greater amount of inflammatory cells.
How to treat atopic dermatitis on the lips:
If you have suffered from atopic dermatitis for a long time, it is very likely that you already know that eczema can be treated, including of course lip eczema. Not in vain, the key to treatment is to try to minimize the most commonly bothersome symptoms, such as dryness and itching.
For this reason, it is advisable to keep the lips properly moisturized and moist. For example, with the help of lip balms, moisturizers and lotions, which not only hydrate and moisturize the skin, but also form a moisturizing protective film, which can be useful in controlling both dryness and itchiness.
It is even more advisable to always apply them when the skin of the lips is slightly moist, since this will help positively when it comes to getting the lips to better absorb the products that we apply to them. Hence, the best time is immediately after the shower, or when we wash our face (both in the morning and at night).
However, if the atopic dermatitis that affects the lips is characterized by being severe, it is advisable to go to the dermatologist, since the administration of an antihistamine medication may be necessary, useful to reduce severe itching. In turn, antibiotics can be very helpful when the skin of the lips also contracts some type of bacterial infection.
Useful tips to combat dry lips in atopic dermatitis
Did you know that one of the causes that most often influence the appearance of wrinkles, especially when it lasts long enough, is dryness? Dryness, or what is the same as having dry lips, is a symptom that the skin of the lips is not properly hydrated, which is not fully capable of retaining moisture as it normally could. do before.
Nor can we forget that not only the habits themselves that we follow daily have to do with it. The climate also has an almost direct relationship, particularly during the changes of the seasons, and above all, after the arrival of winter, when the cold weather makes the lips -as it happens with the rest of the facial skin, and the body in general – dry out even more.
When it comes to discovering how we can fight against the rest of the wrinkles that have formed on the lips, it is vitally important to take a break along the way and address what are the main causes that influence the appearance of dryness in the lips.
Clearly dehydration tends to be one of the main causes. Perhaps you are not drinking enough water? Both dry and cracked lips become a common symptom directly related to dehydration. You can solve this problem very easily, simply by drinking more water and doing it more regularly and repeatedly over time, eating more fruit and limiting drinks that contain caffeine (and not just coffee).
As we mentioned at the beginning of this section, the weather tends to greatly influence the appearance and general condition of our skin, and in most cases it tends to do so for the worse, negatively affecting it. In the particular case of the lips, don’t forget that they are covered with such thin and delicate skin that even a small amount of exposure to cold and dry weather can end up causing big problems. Easily solve it by protecting your lips with the help of a scarf or a turtleneck, and also applying some protective lip balm, tremendously useful -and recommended- during the winter months.
Perhaps you have a habit of licking your lips with some regularity. The truth is that it is something that on most occasions we tend to do almost automatically, without thinking about it. Which means that we are not really that aware of it. In fact, when we feel that we have dry lips, the difficult thing is not to avoid doing it. But did you know that every time you do it, you introduce saliva into the skin? Remember that, in saliva, there are naturally a series of chemical compounds useful for breaking down food during the digestion process. Unfortunately, they could also “tear” the skin around the lips.
On the other hand, licking your lips regularly can even play a role in dryness and chapping, particularly during the winter months. Why? Very simple: by moistening them, and leaving them exposed to cold weather, the saliva will tend to dry quickly, which will cause the lips to become dry and chapped much faster.
Even if you don’t know it, some toothpastes may contain certain chemical products that, after continuous use and maintained over time (it is obvious that you will brush your teeth at least two or three times a day), can end up irritating the delicate skin of your teeth. the lips, even if this irritation is not so visible. In case you constantly suffer from dry lips, and you are not sure what could be the cause, think about the toothpaste that you use several times every day. The best? If this happens, try to try a toothpaste made only with one hundred percent natural ingredients, which you can easily find in herbalists.
The diet you follow also influences a lot. In fact, when it comes to keeping the skin as young and healthy as possible, it is vitally important to try to maintain a nutritious, balanced, and above all healthy diet. For example, some nutrient deficiencies (such as B-complex vitamins, iron, or zinc) greatly influence the formation of chapped or dry lips. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid these deficits by consuming foods that provide them, such as mainly fresh fruits and vegetables. If you do not provide enough healthy fats to the diet, it also usually has a great influence. Easily avoid it by consuming more extra virgin olive oil, nuts such as walnuts, fish such as salmon, seeds such as flaxseed or sesame, and also coconut oil.
Avoid using certain products
What is the first thing you reach for every time your lips start to dry out? It’s possibly a lip balm, of course. But did you know that sometimes it can end up not being as positive as you first thought? At times it can have the opposite effect, making the dryness even worse.
Why is this happening? Although you probably don’t know it, the truth is that some conventional products commonly used for lip care, such as many lip balms and lip balms, contain ingredients that not only do not improve the problems, but can end up making them worse. In case you want to establish a natural routine for the care of your lips, you should always avoid using those products that contain some of the following ingredients in their composition (in the same way that you might do in the supermarket with food and nutritional products) you buy, on the beauty shelf you will also have to have some patience, and analyze the ingredients that the product in question has on the label):
- Parabens. They are preservatives whose effect on the body is not, at least not yet, entirely clear to scientists. Some studies, for example, have warned about the possibility that they can influence the endocrine system, causing problems related to hormones.
- Petrolatum. It might sound pretty familiar to you, and that’s because it’s derived from the very things you put in your vehicle. The manufacturing process commonly used to refine this ingredient can end up causing potentially toxic problems. Also, it tends to have a negative influence by blocking other healthy ingredients near the lips.
- Artificial flavors. What really gives your favorite lip balm that delicious flavor? Who knows! Manufacturers don’t have to disclose the individual chemicals they use when listing ingredients related to the flavor of the product in question, so there really would be no exact and precise way of knowing what you’re actually putting on. the lips.
- Chemical sunscreens. The use of lip balms with SPF sun protection is essential, especially when it comes to protecting the delicate and fine skin of the lips from the negative action of ultraviolet rays. However, some chemical sunscreens can end up causing allergic reactions, further drying the lips. It is best to avoid those balms that contain compounds such as homosalate, octinoxate and oxybenzone.
The importance of choosing the best ingredients
When it comes to providing the best care for lips that are dry, cracked and damaged by certain habits, it is important to always find and use products that only contain ingredients that are respectful of them. The truth is that this is usually true when you opt for products that contain only one hundred percent natural ingredients in their composition. And what are some of the most useful and interesting? Take note:
- Bee wax. As we have already mentioned, beeswax acts completely and completely naturally, forming a protective barrier on the surface of the skin. This quality is interesting for practically any type of skin, but it is even more so when you have dry and chapped lips, thanks to the fact that it is capable of keeping moisture inside the skin, while leaving contamination out., sebum and dirt that could end up having such a negative influence. In addition, despite its texture and consistency, it will not clog pores (so it will not increase the risk of problems related to pimples and acne), nor will it cause irritation, and it will have a positive influence when it comes to soothing itching and discomfort. related.
- Natural extracts. If you opt for a lip balm or lip product made entirely from natural ingredients (such as many you might find at an herbalist, for example), it is very likely that the manufacturer has substituted extracts for the chemicals that provide artificial flavors. natural. In fact, these become an extremely interesting alternative to most artificial flavors. They’ll help, for example, make lip products taste great, plus they’ll provide some extra benefits that make lips just ‘adore’ them. Particularly noteworthy is the calendula extract, which also provides useful antibacterial qualities to promote the healing of chapped lips.
- Natural oils. Certain naturally-derived oils, such as coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil, provide healthy fats and excellent nutrients when it comes to caring for, treating, and protecting dry skin. In short, they facilitate and accelerate the healing of chapped lips.
Routine for lip care with atopic dermatitis
Whether or not some wrinkles have already started to form above the upper part of the lips, following a daily lip care routine is simply essential, especially if you want to reduce them when they have already appeared, or prevent them when they are. this has not happened yet.
The process is actually much simpler than you think. You don’t need to spend more than 5 or 10 minutes a day on it, and it’s so simple that the key to integrating it so you can do it every day, or at least on a regular basis, is adding it to your daily skincare routine. In the same way that, for example, you have already done with other delicate areas of the face that usually tend to show the first signs of aging -and fatigue- prematurely, such as dark circles or bags under the eyes.
Here we propose a simple lip care routine, which will help you not only in preventing the formation of those uncomfortable and annoying wrinkles, but will also speed up the healing of commonly related problems, such as dry and chapped lips.:
- No makeup. Remove any lipstick, eyeliner, or gloss. Remember that this step is essential, especially before going to bed, since leaving makeup on your skin could end up affecting it tremendously negatively, increasing the risk of dull complexion, irritation and acne breakouts. Plus, it’s essential to getting the most out of your lip care routine. And how to do it correctly? The truth is that you can choose several strategies. For example, apply a small amount of Vaseline (about the size of a dime) to your lips, and leave it on for a few minutes, up to five. Once the time has passed, remove it with a damp towel, and clean your lips. Micellar water can also become a great option as it works as a useful cleanser to remove makeup, while acting as a moisturizer, being ideal even for sensitive skin. However, in case you don’t have any makeup remover on hand, you can go to the kitchen and improvise with a little olive oil. Simply put a little of this oil on a cotton ball, and apply it on the lips.
- Exfoliation. As we have indicated, exfoliating your lips with some regularity is as useful as it is recommended. If you want, especially if you don’t have much time to prepare a natural scrub with a combination of different natural ingredients, you can try just a little sugar. How? Very simple: mix sugar with honey or almond oil, and apply a small amount of this lip scrub to your lips, gently massaging both the upper and lower lip. Then, when you’re done, rinse your skin with lukewarm water. It is recommended to do it once or twice a week. Of course, it is essential to avoid this step when the lips are in the midst of an outbreak of atopic dermatitis, since we will end up damaging them even more.
- Apply a lip balm. We have already told you about the importance of replacing a lip balm that we can typically find in supermarkets, with a natural lip balm (that is, made largely only with natural ingredients). Once you have one, you can apply it at least twice a day, which will easily moisturize and protect your lips. Some women, for example, choose to apply it before putting on makeup and before going to bed. Indeed, there is no reason not to use it throughout the day as well.
It is also essential to change our behavior. It is often said that “prevention is better than cure”, and in the case of the skin, and especially the delicate skin of the lips, it is even more important if possible. And it becomes, in fact, the most important part of any lip care routine. Why? Very simple: it is much better to prevent and avoid chapped and dry lips in the first place, than to choose to cure them once they appear. Therefore, remember the importance of hydrating yourself correctly (or more if you usually drink a small amount of water a day), change your diet for a more nutritious, healthy and balanced one, and use only products with the majority of natural ingredients.
Useful beauty recipes for lips with atopic dermatitis
In addition to opting for products whose composition you only find natural ingredients, the truth is that it is also possible -as well as highly advisable- to try to make some beauty recipes ourselves that provide added benefits to your skin care routine. For example, we have already learned how to make natural exfoliants (with sugar as one of the basic ingredients), but did you know that you can also make an excellent lip mask with 100% moisturizing qualities?
What you need: 1 tablespoon of grated beeswax, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil, a pinch of organic honey and 2 vitamin E capsules.
Preparation: Put the grated beeswax in a saucepan over the heat, and heat until it has melted halfway. Right at this point (that is, before it melts completely), add the coconut oil and honey. Now put all the ingredients in a blender, and blend all the ingredients together. Add two capsules of vitamin E oil, mix a little and let it cool down. Once cool, transfer this wonderful lip mask to a clean can, or old lip balm container.
How to use it: You just have to apply this mask on your lips, whenever they are dry or dehydrated.
Chocolate mint lip balm
It is very possible that just after applying this exquisite and wonderful balm on your lips, you will have the irremediable temptation to eat it. And, there is no doubt, chocolate and mint, combined, get along quite well. Luckily, equally combined they provide interesting moisturizing qualities.
What you need: 2 teaspoons of beeswax pellets, 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of sweet almond oil and a few drops of peppermint oil.
Preparation: We will start by melting the beeswax granules with the help of a saucepan over the heat, a double boiler or simply in the microwave. Once it has completely melted, add the cocoa powder and mix well, until the mixture has smoothed out. Now add both the sweet almond oil and the mint oil, while continuing to stir so that the new ingredients combine with the rest. Remove from the heat (if, for example, you have chosen to melt the wax in a saucepan). Once it has cooled, pour it into small containers, where it will keep perfectly for several months.
How to use it: Simply apply this luscious and luscious lip balm whenever you feel like your lips need a little extra hydration. Therefore, it becomes a unique and ideal option for dry and chapped lips.
Cocoa lip balm
Cocoa butter is one of those unique natural ingredients that can do just about anything. And, as you probably know, it actually becomes one of the most commonly used ingredients in making lip balms and balms. With it you can also learn to make your own completely homemade cocoa lip balm, and also in a tremendously easy and simple way.
What you need: ¼ cup of cocoa butter, a little beeswax (you can also substitute soy wax, ideal for example if you are vegan), several drops of chocolate essential oil and 1 teaspoon of beet powder.
Preparation: In a double saucepan, or in a normal saucepan over high heat, melt the beeswax or soy wax. Now add the cocoa butter, and mix well. Add the essential oil of chocolate (if you want it, and you don’t have it or have a hard time finding it, you can use any other essential oil you have at home; for example, the essential oil of peppermint or grapefruit will be ideal). To add color to our homemade lip balm, simply add a small amount of beet root powder, and stir well until all ingredients have been combined and mixed well, and there are no lumps. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Once cool, carefully pour it into containers where it will keep well for a few months.
How to use it: Just apply it to your lips whenever you want, just like you used to with your favorite lip balm.
Hemp and honey lip balm
Honey is an ingredient that, applied to the skin, provides nutrition and protection, mainly thanks to its texture. While hemp oil, combined with almond oil, are extremely useful in providing moisturizing qualities. The rest of the benefits of this lip balm come from cocoa butter, beeswax and shea butter (which also has many unique benefits when it comes to treating dry and chapped lips).
What you need: 1 teaspoon of hemp oil, 4 teaspoons of almond oil, 2 teaspoons of honey, 10 g of cocoa butter, 12 g of shea butter and 10 g of beeswax.
Preparation: Start by melting the beeswax, cocoa butter and shea butter in a double boiler. Then, once they’ve melted and slightly combined, add the sweet almond oil, hemp oil, and honey. Stir well until it acquires a rather liquid consistency. Blend the ingredients with the help of a milk frother, until it reaches a medium-thick consistency. Once you have acquired this consistency, pour the balm into different jars. It will keep perfectly for several months.
How to use it: It’s just as easy, just dab a bit of this lip balm on your lips whenever you need to (for example, when you feel they’re too dry or even starting to crack). Even when these problems or symptoms do not arise, thanks to its content of shea butter and sweet almond oil, any time is ideal to use it.
Try a homemade lip scrub
Exfoliating the thin skin of the lips can help in a very positive way when it comes to renewing the cells present in this area of the face, eliminating and preventing the accumulation of dead cells.
Sugar and honey lip scrub
A simple option is to make a lip scrub with sugar and honey. For example, while sugar exfoliates the skin itself, almond oil and honey help lock in moisture, keeping it properly hydrated.
How to do it? You only need 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of almond oil. In a bowl or bowl put the sugar, honey and almond oil, and mix everything very well until you get a paste.
How to use it? Once our homemade scrub is made, you simply have to apply it to your lips with the help of your fingertips, while massaging them to gently remove both dry and dead cells that have accumulated on the skin. To finish, rinse -carefully- with lukewarm water, and continue applying a little lip balm.
Strawberry lip scrub
A strawberry lip scrub can also become another great natural option, as well as effective. Strawberries, for example, are especially rich in both vitamin C and natural antioxidants, thus becoming an excellent ingredient when it comes to nourishing and exfoliating the skin of the lips. And all this in a totally natural way.
How to do it? You only need 1 strawberry, 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. First, wash the strawberry well, remove the top, and mash it well. Add the honey and olive oil, and mix until a paste forms.
How to use it? It is equally simple. Just apply it to your lips with the help of your fingertips, and massage gently to remove the cells that have accumulated on them. Then remove the scrub with the help of warm water. Finish off your normal skincare routine by applying a lip balm.
Vanilla Rose Water Lip Scrub
Combining some of the ingredients that we have mentioned before, and adding other natural ingredients such as rose water and vanilla essence, you can enjoy another lip scrub with excellent qualities for the delicate skin of the lips.
How to do it? You only need 1 teaspoon of honey, 4 teaspoons of sugar, 5 ml of rose water and 5 ml of vanilla essence. In a bowl put the sugar, rose water and vanilla essence. Mix a little and add the skin. Mix again.
How to use it? Apply this natural scrub to your lips after thoroughly cleansing your skin, massaging gently to remove most of the dead cells. Then, once all the scrub has been applied, rinse it off with lukewarm water until it’s completely removed.
Cinnamon lip scrub
Is there anything more deliciously aromatic than cinnamon? In desserts, as you have probably already discovered, it becomes an exquisite option, which provides a unique fragrance to those recipes where it is included. And when it comes to making a homemade lip scrub, it also stands out as a unique option.
How to do it? You need 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ tablespoon of olive oil, and ½ tablespoon of honey. In a small bowl or bowl put all the ingredients, and mix them well until they have been completely integrated.
How to use it? Just apply this aromatic scrub to your lips with your fingertips, gently removing dry, dead skin cells with the help of circular motions. Of course, remember not to rub excessively or very hard, to avoid small cracks on the skin. To finish, rinse with warm water and follow up with a lip balm.
Pumpkin lip scrub
Are you passionate about the smell of pumpkin pie? If so, you may love this homemade recipe for a lip scrub that you can enjoy practically all year round, and not just during the fall months. And what’s even better: it’s perfectly edible, so it’s extremely likely that you won’t be able to avoid the temptation.
How to do it? You need 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of spices (such as ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and nutmeg). You simply have to combine all the ingredients in a small bowl or bowl, and then transfer it to a jar or container with a lid.
How to use it? Simply apply this pumpkin pie lip scrub using your fingers, gently rubbing back and forth. To finish, after a few minutes, remove it with warm water.
The truth is that with these ingredients you can also learn how to make a homemade pumpkin pie lip balm, although it is necessary to slightly vary the amount of ingredients, and add a new one: sweet almond oil. You only need 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil, 1 teaspoon of beeswax, 1 teaspoon of honey and ¼ teaspoon of mixed spices. In a double boiler put the beeswax and sweet almond oil, and heat over low heat until the wax has completely melted. Then, once this is achieved, remove from the heat and add both the honey and the spice mix. Mix well. Carefully pour into a container of lip balm or balm, and allow to harden and cool completely. To finish, you can simply apply it to the skin of the lips whenever you need it.
Homemade lip filler
You can also learn how to make a homemade lip filler, which helps in making the skin of the lips appear more luminous and youthful. To do this we will use cinnamon, which provides a warm sensation full of powerful natural antioxidants and polyphenols and vitamin E that increases the moisturizing power of the balm and also provides antioxidant qualities, being able to nourish, soothe and protect the lips.
You only need 4 tablespoons of coconut oil, ½ tablespoon of beeswax pellets, 2 to 3 vitamin E capsules, ¾ tablespoon of honey, and 15 drops of cinnamon essential oil.
To make it, in a double boiler over high heat, combine the beeswax pellets along with the coconut oil. Over low heat, stir little by little until both ingredients have completely melted. Once achieved, remove from the heat and add the vitamin E (for this you only have to puncture the vitamin E capsules, and squeeze them to obtain all their content), the honey and the essential oil of cinnamon. Transfer to empty lip balm containers, and wait 5-10 minutes for it to harden completely. You will simply have to apply this lip balm when you feel that the lips are a little dry, to provide a little extra moisture.
Other tips that will be of great help to take care of lips with atopic dermatitis
Night lip treatments
This type of treatment, due to its ease of use and application, can become an interesting option to include in your night skin care routine. We must bear in mind that, while we sleep, the skin becomes much more receptive to transformation, mainly because the skin’s natural defense barrier tends to be reduced.
Some nighttime lip treatments contain a powerful and exciting combination of ingredients that actively work to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth, while you rest peacefully and relaxed.
In pharmacies and specialized beauty and aesthetic stores, for example, you can find different treatment options. Although basically all of them contain a series of active ingredients that work together to minimize fine lines, while other ingredients work to visibly plump the skin, to provide the smoothest and most youthful appearance possible. If, in addition, they contain ingredients such as shea butter, their qualities increase considerably, since it will also help the lips feel more nourished and hydrated.
As we can see, not all patients feel the need to undergo laser facial rejuvenation, regardless of the volume and number of wrinkles they have on their facial skin. Although it is true that treatments such as the fractional CO2 laser are characterized by being much more permanent and effective when it comes to reducing wrinkles and lines that form around the mouth, those who do not wish to undergo this treatment (minimally invasive, incidentally), they will still benefit from the use of injectables, topical creams or fillers, as their only therapy option.
The bottom line, although you may not notice them at first, over time upper lip lines can affect the entire appearance of your face, leaving your face looking aged and unsightly. Therefore, it is advisable to prevent them from forming deeply, whenever possible. And, above all, try to find a solution when they have not yet been formed so deeply, and therefore, they are not too obvious.
Lip gels
In addition to night lip treatments, you can also opt for lip gels, which are also a fun way to reduce wrinkles around the mouth.
They basically consist of products that act in the same way as a gel patch, which usually contain a very powerful mixture of peptides, niacinamide and other active ingredients (such as green tea extract), which work by soothing and moisturizing dry lips and hydrated, acting in turn against aging. As we can see, they contain ingredients with moisturizing qualities and fillers that penetrate the lips much faster and deeper.
They are interesting options to visibly soften the appearance of vertical lip lines, while enhancing both the shape and natural volume of the lips. In addition, they stand out enormously for their ease of application, so it will only be enough to apply one of these gels to clean lips every day for a minimum of 5 minutes, to get them to work actively.
Always use a lip balm
Using a lip balm or balm regularly provides excellent lip health benefits. On the one hand, it helps the skin heal much faster, so in case it suffers from cracks or dryness, using it will promote better hydration, thus speeding up the healing process.
During winter, as a result of cold and bad weather (such as the case of wind), it is very common for the lips to dry out and crack more often. In addition, if you usually soak them with saliva thinking that this will help provide moisture, the key is that when it dries -which it will do very quickly as a result of the weather or low temperatures-, it will increase the dryness. Lip balm helps protect the lips in this regard.
Also, don’t forget that most lip balms also contain SPF protection, which will help not only keep your lips from drying out and chapping, but also protect them from harmful ultraviolet rays.
You can also opt for natural lip balms such as:
- Shea butter. Obtained from the seeds of the fruit of the shea tree, its butter is naturally rich in vitamins (especially A, E and F), protecting the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It also acts as a wonderful emollient, meaning it has the ability to form a natural barrier on the lips, helping to lock in moisture. As it is easily absorbed, it is even capable of providing additional nutrients, making the skin smoother and softer.
- Coconut oil. One of its main benefits is its moisturizing quality, making it ideal for dry and hydrated lips. Like shea butter, coconut oil acts as a natural emollient, helping to keep skin moist, while protecting it in a completely natural way. To use it, you just have to apply a few drops of coconut oil to your lips, and gently rub them with your fingers until the oil completely hardens. If you wish, you can repeat this process as many times a day as you like. You can also combine a little coconut oil and shea butter in equal parts, thus becoming a somewhat thicker balm, and with more moisturizing and protective qualities.
- Cocoa butter. Extracted from cocoa beans, which are quite rich in natural fats, it is a natural product very rich in vitamin E and omega-3 unsaturated fats. Applied to the skin, it helps keep it hydrated, making it ideal for dry and chapped lips. It is also very rich in natural antioxidants, which is why it is usually included as an ingredient in most moisturizers and lip balms.
For chapped lips
If in addition to wrinkle lines on the upper part of the lips, you tend to have chapped lips quite often, you can try using a little clarified butter, which provides interesting qualities to help heal the cracks that have formed in the lips, while helping to soften them. In fact, thanks to the fatty acids present in it, they help to hydrate the skin in depth.
Clarified butter is a product obtained by melting butter, allowing the milk components to separate. For this reason, it is extremely easy to make and obtain it at home.
It is also known by the name of ghee, and it is obtained very easily: you only need to heat the butter in a saucepan over medium high heat. Within a few minutes the butter will begin to melt and separate. The key is to remove the foamy solids that will begin to float in the liquid (you can do it with the help of a spoon). As the butter cooks, it will separate further, and milk solids will begin to form and settle in the bottom of the pan. Now you just have to lower the heat and stir from time to time to prevent the milk solids from burning.
Continue a little more, over low heat, until you get a clear, yellow liquid. You just need to use a stainless steel strainer to separate the clarified butter (or ghee) from the milk solids.
How to use it: Just apply a drop or two of clarified butter to your lips at night for up to 3-4 days. Or, at least, until you notice some improvement.
Use beeswax
Beeswax is a natural product produced by bees, becoming the building block of the hive. Bees produce it in order to build the hexagon-shaped honeycomb, where they live, work, raise their young, and store their food supplies.
Applied to the skin, it forms a natural barrier on the surface, helping to keep moisture in and dirt and other contaminants out. Provides excellent benefits in relieving itchiness and protecting the lips, while not causing irritation or clogging pores.
Can it be prevented?
When trying to keep atopic dermatitis of the lips at bay, it is essential to carry out some changes in the lifestyle that we follow daily. Here are some useful tips that could help you a lot:
- Hydration is the key. As with atopic dermatitis that affects the rest of the skin on the body, it is essential to maintain adequate moisture to prevent outbreaks from arising, and dryness and dehydration from worsening the problem. Therefore, it is convenient to moisturize the lips quite often, both in the morning and at night. In these cases, it is best to always have a lip balm on hand that we can apply whenever we need it. And contrary to what you might think, it is not appropriate to lick your lips with the intention of soaking them, since when they dry they could increase the dryness.
- Try to reduce stress. Stress has been shown to increase the body’s allergic response. Hence, it is appropriate to try to reduce both stress and anxiety levels as much as possible. Meditation practices, yoga, and mindful meditation practice can be extremely helpful in this regard.
- Avoid the most extreme climates. Excessive cold in winter and heat in summer can be the biggest enemies of lip eczema, while sweating can increase the risk of flare-ups.
