Dr. Lorrie Klein’s Blog

For those of you who are prone to dry lips, this time of year is one of the worst times for you.  Here in Southern California the Santa Ana winds are blowing, drying out our skin and our lips.  Elsewhere in the country where the weather is getting cold, indoor heating also can dry them out.  Other risk factors for chapped and dry lips is licking your lips and using lip cosmetics that are drying, such as some long-lasting lip colors.

I recommend applying a good lip moisturizer as often as possible, especially before bedtime and after meals.  This will prevent and also treat dry, chapped lips.  A simple yet great one is Aquaphor ointment.  It’s inexpensive and works great.  Put on a thick layer before bedtime and your lips will feel and look better in the morning.  If you have a large tube of it and want to carry it in your purse or pocket, I recommend getting a small container with a screw top and putting some of it in there.  It can be messy if it leaks, so get one with a tight lid.

Other great product specifically made for lip moisturinzing is Neostrata Lip Conditioner .  It’s inexpensive and works very well.  It also contains a sunscreen.

Also, try not to pick or peel your lips, it will just make them worse.  Keep moisturizing them and they will get better.  If you have persistant scaley areas, see your dermatologist as it could indicate an allergy to a food or product or a pre-cancerous or cancerous lesion.