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Q: My lips get very dry. They peel and crack and the skin around my mouth gets chapped and sore during the winter. What can I do to stop this? I have tried several brands of chapstick without getting relief.
A: Just like the rest of your skin, your lips suffer during weather changes too. It is important to protect them from the sun and keep them well moisturized. Protect your lips from sun exposure all year long, not just in the summer. Remember that UVA rays are present 365 days per year.
I have a few recommendations for you:
- Use a medical grade broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunblock on your lips-
When choosing a sunblock, look for one that says broad or full spectrum UVA/UVB protection on the label. Then look at the ingredient listing on the back. It needs to list either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, preferably 7% or higher. I recommend TiSilc 60. TiSilc 60 contains a high percentage of Zinc oxide to reflect dangerous UV radiation. Using sun protection is even more important for cracked, dehydrated lips as they will be damaged more easily than well hydrated skin. TiSilc 60 also contains soothing Green Tea Extract, antioxidants and is a moisturizer.
- Avoid licking your lips-
The re-wetting of your lips will not only chap your lips but the wetness will also break down your sunblock. Remember, there is no true “waterproof” sunblock. They are just water-resistant (good for up to 80 minutes once wet).
- Drink more water –
Remember, dry lips are a sign that you are not drinking enough water. If your lips are dehydrated, increase your water consumption.
- Apply a hydrating lip treatment or balm on top of the sunblock-
Using an ointment or balm will prohibit moisture from escaping, keeping your lips hydrated. This can be as simple as applying Vaseline at bedtime or throughout the day.
We carry two great options at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Skin Restoration and Laser Institute. I recommend one of two options:
The first option is Glo Minerals Lip Balm:
Glo Minerals Lip balm is available in Mint and Cherry. Glo Minerals Lip Balm works well to re-store moisture and relieve irritated, chapped skin around the mouth. It protects lips with broad-spectrum SPF 15 while nurturing botanicals of hemp seed oil, meadowfoam and mango seed butter soothe and heal. You will begin to notice smoother, softer lips within a few applications. You can even apply it to the skin around your lips (before you put on your make-up). It is clear so it will blend in. It can be used by itself, with a lip liner or under your lipstick. This treatment can be applied multiple times per day. Remember to re-apply this treatment at bedtime for increased hydration. Cost $12.50
Option #2: Exfoliating Lip Wand
With the new Exfoliating Lip Wand, you can tranform your lips in one easy step! Nourishing wax microcrystals derived from jojoba seeds slough away dry skin and then melt on contact to deliver soft, smooth and hydrated lips. It is enhanced witha light peachy scent that is simply delicious! Cost: $16.00
Option #3 – TNS Lip Plump System
This is a 2- step system that provides increased lip volume while gently exfoliating dry skin and providing much needing hydration.
TNS Lip Renewal
This treatment cream combines the rejuvenating strength of the patented growth factor blend TNS® and collagen-filling spheres to enhance the fullness of the lips and smooth surface imperfections.
- Rapid-action skin smoothing and softening effect
- Improvement of lip texture and condition
- Increase of lip volume
Lip Plumper
This clear plumping gloss with niacin enhances the natural color of lips.
- Enhances natural lip color
- Give lips fuller, more youthful look
- Increase of lip volume
- Rapid-action skin smoothing and softening effect
- Improvement of lip texture and condition
- Increase of lip volume
Cost:$52.00
Roxanne, Skincare & Laser Specialist
Roxanne Hammond, RMA
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
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https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com
800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana), IL