Your lips are the most delicate part of your face, they need special care depending on the seasons. According to renowned cosmetic dermatologist, Dr Dendy Engelman, “”Lips are predisposed to becoming dry, as they have a relatively low density of oil glands compared to other areas of the body.” Understanding seasonal lip care is very essential to maintain healthy and comfortable lips. Even if you are battling chapped lips winter brings or protecting against UV damage, planning a lip care routine can make a big difference!

As we are having a discussion on lipcare, let’s find out the reasons behind chapped lips. According to Marisa Garshik, MD and Dendy Engleman, MD, in an article in Byrdie, the elements, the UV exposure, constant lip licking, irritating ingredients, contact dermatitis, vitamin deficiencies, products, and mouth breathing are the main reasons of your lips are chapped.

Why your lips need different care: Winter Vs Summer

Lips are constantly exposed to the elements like air and wind, also in different temperatures in extremely extended periods and can damage the state of the lips. As our lips lack oil glands, it makes them particularly vulnerable due to environmental changes. During the cold weather, low humidity and harsh wind strips moisture from the lips whereas in the summer, UV rays cause sun damage and increase the risk of cancer. That’s why having the same lip care routine throughout the year doesn’t work.

The key for having healthy, moisturized and shiny lips is to understand how to adjust lip care routines seasonally and choosing the correct product for your lips during each climate change.

Winter lip care: Combat dryness and cracking

Winter lipcare becomes crucial when temperature drops outdoors. The cold outdoor air and the indoor heating air creates the perfect reason for dry lips winter conditions. These factors destroy the natural moisture barriers of your lips and lead to cracked lips, causing discomfortness.

How to prevent chapped lips in winter?

The base of effective winter lip care tips is to start choosing the right lip balm for winter. Choose your best lip balm with winter ingredients. You can choose thick emollient balms with ingredients like shea butter to lock moisture and use lightweight lip balm with SPF 15. Petroleum jelly lips treatment can create a moisture barrier. During winter, always focus on ingredients that help repair and intensely hydrate the dry chapped lips like Beeswax, lanolin, and hyaluronic acid.  Choose a good lip balm that keeps your lips hydrated and moisturized, continue using it before till the season changes.

As your lips are exposed to the sun, your lips need sun protection. Always carry a lip balm with SPF during winter and it is recommended to use a humidifier at home which will boost your air’s moisture.

Best lip care for chapped lips

If you have severely chapped lips, consider a lip treatment with ceramides or hyaluronic acid lips formulas. Apply generously before sleeping and wake up with softer and healthier lips. Increase your application frequency, apply lip balm within 2-3 hours is ideal.

Best winter lip care strategy

• Use a gentle exfoliator once a week to remove dead skin
• After exfoliation apply a moisturizing lip balm
• Use a thick lip night treatment 
• Avoid licking your lips
• Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water

Summer Lip Care: Protection is priority

Do I need SPF for my lips

Of course, you do! Summer lip care is centered on SPF. During summer, your lips are highly at risk of UV damage, which can lead to UV spots and hyperpigmentation. This will lead to premature aging, discoloration, and even skin cancer. You must keep a SPF lip balm during summer.

Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 for summer, which blocks about 97% UV rays and protects your lips from sun damage. It is recommended to apply after every 2 hours for extended outdoor activities.

The best lip balm SPF for summer 

The best lip balm must offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and the following ingredients: 

• Zinc-oxide and titanium dioxide (mineral sunscreen)
• Antioxidants like Vitamin E
• Light, non-greasy texture
• Water-resistant formula (for swimming, sweating, and summer rains)

Tinted balm with SPF can be a trendy option that serves double duty, providing color and protection. 

Summer lip care routines: it’s more than applying lip balms

• You can use a homemade exfoliator to clean dead skins which can be made using brown sugar, raw honey, and  extra virgin coconut oil . Apply a thick layer and remove by gently massaging your lips.
• Apply lip oil or use coconut oil to remove the exfoliator.
• Apply lip balm SPF 15 minutes before sun exposure.
• Reapply after eating, drinking or any other activities like swimming.
• Wear a hat or cap or use an umbrella for sun protection.
• Avoid sun hours 10 am to 4 pm if possible.
• Stay in shade during outdoor activities.

Summer lip care beyond SPF:

Summer lip care is not only about sun protection, it’s also about the heat and humidity that also affect lip health. 

• Choose lighter and breathable formulas over heavy petroleum jelly treatments.
• Opt for non-sticky, hydrating ingredients.
• Consider organic lip products with natural extracts.
• Keep your lips moisturized to prevent damage from the heat.

How to transition your lipcare routine between seasons:

Spring lip care:

• Stitch to a lighter lipcare formula
• Continue using SPF lip balms as days get longer
• Increase water intake as the temperature gets warmer

Fall lip care:

• Start using more moisturizing products with SPF, like lip oils and lip tints.
• Continue using SPF products during the day and use hydrating products at night
• Start preventive hydration before winter lip care becomes critical.

Year-round-up for lip care:

If your lips are dry throughout the year, always remember:

• Hydration is the key: A proper lip care routine depends on the internal and external hydration. Drink water and use humidifiers in dry environments.
• Ingredients awareness: Winter lip balm must include SPF and hydrating lip oils. Organic lip balms can be an option for indoors.
• Consistency matters: The difference between dry lips and healthy lips are consistent care, don’t wait for your lips to be cracked.
• Listen to your lips: Do not use products that cause tingling and burning.

Recognizing your lips and providing proper lip care treatment throughout the year is the only way to master your lip care. Healthy lips start with awareness and end with consistency. 

FAQ:

1. Why are my lips chapped, even though I use lip balms?
   Dry lips are caused by the product that you are using, as it’s not building moisture barriers for your lips. If your product is a thin petroleum jelly or includes ingredients like peppermint or menthol. Dehydration can also cause dry and chapped lips.
2. What is the best thing for dry, chapped lips?
   Dermatologists recommend products that hydrate and lock moisture in your lips. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, castor oil, ceramides, shea butter and mineral oils.
3. Do I need a lip balm with SPF?
   Yes, whether it’s a cold winter or a burning summer. SPF in lip balm is essential. 
4. How often should I apply lip balm?
   After every 2-3 hours, depending on how your lip needs hydration.