Dry lips, cracks, an increase in dead skin and painful wounds at the corners of the mouth or sores are some of the conditions that are emerging among Spaniards this winter and mainly due to the much-needed use of the mask.
Added to this is the damage that the cold winter causes on our lips, one of the most sensitive skins on the body.
The cold, the sudden changes in interior and exterior temperature, the use of the mask for hours and hours cause dehydration, cracks and excess skin on our lips.
“This skin is very thin, sensitive and fragile and, as it does not have melanin or sebaceous glands, it has no protection against external aggressions and it is easier for it to dry out. For this reason, it is so characteristic that the lips become dehydrated and easily damaged, even causing cracks. Of course, the skin of the lips is capable of regenerating four times faster than in other areas of the body, although being so thin it is more easily damaged”, explains Dr. Ana Rita Rodrigues, Head of the Dermatology Service of the Hospital Quirónsalud Valle del Henares.
In fact, “the lips represent one of the most sensitive parts of the body, and as we have mentioned, they have very thin, sensitive and fragile skin,” emphasizes the specialist at Quirónsalud Valle del Henares Hospital.
They have 3 to 5 cell layers, while facial skin can reach 16 layers. Their delicate skin is one more victim of the effects of the mask, drying them out, irritating them and cracking them (cheilitis) frequently if they are not cared for, hydrated and nourished continuously.
Dr. Rodrigues explains that the famous cold sores or angular cheilitis consists of an inflammation that appears in the corners of the lips and manifests itself with redness and cracks that can be painful.
They are produced by the accumulation of saliva in that area, which favors the overgrowth of bacteria and/or fungi, which ultimately leads to the appearance of local irritation and erosion.
The fact of frequently moistening the lips with saliva to alleviate the sensation of dry lips or tightness together with the continuous use of the mask worsens and maintains this alteration. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving enzymes on the lips that promote xerosis, irritation and the appearance of superficial cracks.
Our biggest ally right now: lip balm
To avoid this, the lips must be well nourished and hydrated. The specialist highlights that “lip balm is essential during the day, so we can apply it before leaving home and use it again several times throughout the day depending on our needs, especially if we are outdoors.”
Especially in winter and, apart from moisturizing the lips, it is advisable to protect them from ultraviolet light during the day, by using lipsticks with photoprotection, and if possible with antioxidant vitamin E; especially if you are going to practice any winter sport (skiing, snowshoeing, mountaineering, etc.).
We must not forget that the lips suffer a lot in winter, even more so if there is some basic alteration (atopic, actinic cheilitis…), and also after sun exposure.
At the same time, the use of moisturizing lip balm is essential at night.
It can be applied as a routine and use a lip mask, leaving it to act to maximize hydration, nourishing and regenerating dry lips during sleep.
Specifically, to repair cracks it is recommended to use active ingredients such as panthenol, allantoin, rosehip oil, shea butter or other moisturizers.
Likewise, and for the hydration to take effect, “we must leave the lip area free of dead cells and impurities through an exfoliation that we will carry out by applying the product with gentle and circular movements for a couple of minutes,” recommends Dr. Rodrigues.
Subsequently, we must moisturize the area and turn this into a beauty routine to combat the effects of cold, changes in temperature, and the mask on our lips.
However, in severe cases of cheilitis or cold sores, medical treatment will be required, with anti-inflammatories and/or topical antibiotics.
Another piece of advice to follow “if you notice dry lips is to avoid moistening them with your tongue, since saliva can cause greater irritation and promote dehydration, as we have mentioned,” recommends Ana Rita Rodrigues.
You should also avoid biting your lips if there are skins, as this can impede the healing process. If you tend to moisten your lips, avoid flavored lip balms, which can tempt you to moisten them more.
Avoid dry environments and allergens or irritants
On the other hand, ensuring a humid environment in the workplace or at home, as well as adequate liquid hydration, drinking more water on those days, can be equally beneficial when it comes to avoiding or treating possible problems with our lips.
Thus, Dr. Rodrigues advises that during those days the application of lip cosmetic products with a greater amount of allergens, such as fragrances, be avoided, and minimize the use of makeup and lipstick.
