Life+Style - How Well Does Your Lip Balm Actually Treat Chapped Lips? | Revry

Chapped lips are a common issue, especially when the weather gets dry. While a quick swipe of lip balm might seem like the solution, is it really effective? For most people, lip balm does help, as it locks in moisture and acts as a barrier against harsh elements like cold winds and dry indoor air.  However, for others, certain ingredients in lip balms, such as fragrances, lanolin, and preservatives, can actually make things worse, causing irritation instead of relief.  If you’re using lip balm and your lips aren’t improving, then it's time to check the ingredients.  Dermatologists recommend looking for fragrance-free, petroleum-based balms (often listed as petrolatum) to avoid allergic reactions.  If your lips keep stinging, try other methods like drinking more water, using a humidifier, or wearing a scarf to protect your lips when you’re outside. Although it’s tempting, try not to lick your lips. Saliva evaporates quickly, which can leave your lips even drier.