Can we prevent the onset of chapped lips?

Another point to keep in mind to prevent chapped lips is to try as much as possible not to lick your lips. Indeed, while this action may seem to moisturize the lips, it actually contributes to their dryness because, as it evaporates, saliva accelerates water loss from the epidermis. Moreover, while saliva is primarily composed of water, it also contains enzymes such as amylase, which can alter the structure of the skin on the lips. Designed to break down food in the mouth, these proteins can weaken the skin barrier of the lips. Therefore, to prevent chapped lips, it is recommended to curb the habit of licking, as much as possible.

If you experience a feeling of dryness on your lips, it is better to apply an emollient lip balm.

When temperatures plummet and the wind blows, lips are among the first to bear the brunt. To maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out, a simple and effective method is to cover the lower part of your face with a scarf. Often overlooked, this action effectively protects your lips from the cold and dry air. Position your scarf in such a way that it covers your mouth, without being too tight, to allow air to pass while creating a slightly warmer and more humid environment around your lips. This helps to limit the dehydration caused by weather conditions and significantly reduces the risk of chapping.

We often don't realize it, but the air inside our homes can contribute to the drying of the lips. Indeed, heating tends to dry out the atmosphere in rooms and, consequently, the skin. The result: the lips, which are already almost devoid of sebaceous glands, are even more vulnerable to dehydration and can quickly become dry or chapped. To avoid this, it is recommended to maintain a humidity level between 40 and 60% indoors. This can be achieved by installing an air humidifier, a small device that disperses water vapor into the room, thus helping to prevent skin and lip dehydration.

Tip : If you do not wish to invest in an air humidifier, you can also place a bowl of water near your heaters or hang a damp cloth in the warmest rooms. Although less precise, these techniques help to limit the dry ambient air.

Finally, maintaining a varied and balanced diet could help prevent chapped lips. Indeed, several studies have shown that deficiencies in B group vitamins, such as B2, also known as riboflavin, or B6, which is pyridoxine, could promote the occurrence of chapped lips. These vitamins play various roles in ensuring the proper functioning of the body and are particularly involved in cell regeneration. It is suspected that a deficiency in these vitamins could weaken the skin barrier and make the lips more susceptible to dehydration. Thus, adopting a varied and balanced diet could help prevent chapping, in addition to contributing to overall good health. For your information, B vitamins are found in foods such as eggs, green vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Important : The scientific evidence linking vitamin B deficiencies and chapped lips is currently limited and does not allow for definitive conclusions. What is certain, however, is that a balanced diet helps prevent deficiencies and maintain good health.