Why our lips get dry (and some tips to avoid the problem)

We may not even stop to think about it, but the truth is that lips perform very important functions in our daily lives, such as eating, talking and even kissing. They are so primordial that studies have already been carried out to identify what lip perfection would be. However, not even the most perfect lips are able to escape the dangers arising from constant exposure to external factors. And dryness is one of them. If, at any time, you noticed that your lips were dry or chapped, it’s good to know the source of the problem, as well as its consequences if not treated in time and ways to avoid it.

O awesome.club decided to research the main reasons responsible for dryness and cracking of the lips. But you don’t have to worry if you have this problem, because at the end of the post you will find tips to combat it. What you will read below is information based on studies and research. But regardless, it’s always good to look for an expert if you notice dry lips frequently.

If you have a chronic illness, take certain medications, or are undergoing radiation-based treatment, dry mouth could indicate xerostomia. The disorder is characterized by a decrease or absence of saliva in an individual. Although the research on xerostomia has not been approached in depth, different causes have been found that may be linked to alterations in the salivary glands, which also affect the situation of the lips.

Among the main triggers of xerostomia are:

Some chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis.

The presence of autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, for example.

The application of treatments with radiotherapy or multidrug therapy in regions close to the head and neck. This is often a side effect noted in cancer patients.

Consumption of certain medications. According to a study, there are about 42 categories and 56 subcategories of substances capable of generating side effects in the salivary glands.

Consumption of toxic substances. One study revealed that between 20% and 30% of the 20-year-old population in northern Europe developed xerostomia. In the same survey, specialists pointed out that certain drugs could explain the increase in cases among the young population.

To understand how the weather can affect it negatively, it is first necessary to know more about the composition of the lips. A study indicates that the labial surface is covered by a thin horny layer that works as a protective barrier. However, such a layer is not effective enough to protect and moisten the lips, which makes them more susceptible to the effects of temperature and the environment, including cold, wind, lack of humidity and sudden changes.

According to an expert, under the low temperatures typical of winter, the cold and wind make the lips dry, giving space for the appearance of cracks. In more serious cases, the region can become inflamed, especially at the points where the upper lip meets the lower one, in the corners of the mouth.

In addition, prolonged exposure to the sun not only dries out the lips, but also makes them hard and flaky. Medical professionals have concluded that people over the age of 45 and those with fair skin are more likely to suffer from dry lips. There are cases in which the labial surface becomes reddish and starts to develop ulcers, which may be precancerous signs.

On many occasions, an instinctive reaction or a negative habit put into practice constantly can take away the beauty of the lips and even cause damage that will last for a long time. Some actions adopted by individuals with the purpose of combating the problem of dryness end up aggravating the situation, and this is usually ignored.

Some examples of these habits are as follows:

Wet your lips with saliva. Specialists in dermatology point out that saliva is an irritating secretion, rich in digestive enzymes. So running your tongue over your lips to get them wet only makes the dryness worse, creating the risk of inflammation known as cheilitis.

Breathe through the mouth. A common case happens when we sleep with our mouths open. In the words of an otorhinolaryngologist, the entry of air through the mouth dries out the mucosa, creating a feeling of extreme dryness when waking up. Obstruction of the nose and carrying out intense physical exertion are also among the most common reasons for using mouth breathing.

Drink little liquid. One of the main symptoms of dehydration is dry mouth. When we lose a lot of liquid and do not hydrate ourselves at sufficient levels, we not only suffer from dry lips and mouth as a whole, but it is quite possible that we experience an inadequate functioning of the organism. And this can result in more serious health problems.

Bite the lips. This habit is part of an impulse control disorder called dermatophagia, which consists of unconsciously and/or consciously biting the skin. In addition to favoring dry lips through saliva, frequent bites tend to cause injuries and infections in the region.

It is quite possible that the feeling of having “butterflies in your stomach” has a scientific explanation related to emotions, but does the same thing happen when it comes to dry lips? Some experts have already given their opinions on the subject, taking into account the following psychological states:

Stress. At this point, Spanish doctors cite the existence of a component of the organism called the sympathetic nervous system. He is in charge of controlling the body in situations of nervousness or tension, which, in turn, cause a reduction in saliva production and lead to dryness of the mouth, among other aspects.

Anxiety. According to an analysis carried out by the University of Barcelona, ​​one of the psychological factors related to burning mouth syndrome, which causes burning or itching in the oral area and is usually accompanied by dryness, is anxiety. This behavior can induce people to develop repetitive habits, such as sucking or biting, and the lower lip is usually one of the most affected parts.

Vitamins play a key role in human development and growth, and some of them are related to lip dryness. The absence of some of these substances (or the excess of one of them in particular) has the potential to compromise the freshness of the lips.

In cases of vitamin B2 deficiency, also known as riboflavin, one of the symptoms is the appearance of cracks or sores on the surface and corners of the lips.

Vitamin B6 is responsible for the proper functioning of proteins that regulate chemical processes in the body. The lack of the substance tends to cause peeling and cracks in the corners of the mouth.

Unlike the vitamins mentioned above, vitamin A causes negative effects on the lips when ingested in excessive amounts. High and prolonged consumption of vitamin A often leads to cracking of the labial layers, not to mention dry and wrinkled skin.

The National Health Service in the UK has published a series of recommendations on what to do to keep your lips dry and looking good:

Invest in a good lip balm, preferably one that contains petroleum jelly or beeswax. You can find this type of product in pharmacies.

Choose the most suitable balm for your lips. Some of them may cause sensitivity due to the components present in the formula.

Always wash your hands before applying the balm, and never share the product with other people. Thus, you prevent the spread of micro-organisms.

If you are exposed to the sun’s rays or a hot climate, bet on balms with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher.

In times of cold or wind, put on a scarf that protects your lips when you leave the house.

Avoid wetting your lips with saliva and running your tongue over them.

Avoid biting your lips and don’t rip off dead skin with your teeth. That way, no new wounds will appear.

Drink water regularly to avoid dehydration and consequently dry lips.

If you are suffering from dry lips, it is best to look for a good dermatologist to solve the problem in the most convenient way. And if you’ve been through this situation, leave a comment telling how you dealt with dryness in the mouth area.