Expert Shares Why Licking Your Lips Makes Them Worse in Winter

Chapped lips start becoming one of the most common skin complaints with temperatures getting low and air turning dry. As a result, most people tend to lick their lips for quick relief, as it feels like a little moisture that will help soothe the dryness. However, dermatologists warn that this habit makes the problem worse. 

According to by Dr Sudheendra Udbalker, Senior Consultant, Dermatology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, constant lip-licking can lead to more dryness, peeling, and painful cracks by disrupting the delicate skin barrier. Read ahead to know why it happens and ways to actually moisturise dry lips.

Why Your Lips Dry Out Faster in Winter

The skin on our lips is much thinner than that on the rest of your face. It does not have sebaceous glands, which means that it cannot produce oils naturally to keep it lubricated. In winter, humidity levels outside and indoors both fall because of heaters and cold winds. This quickly strips moisture from the lips, leaving them dry and tight.

"As the lips do not have any oil protection of their own, they tend to become dry sooner in dry weather. That's why they get affected first during winter," said Dr Udbalker.

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Why Licking Lips Make It More Dry

While licking lips may seem harmless as it's soothing for a few seconds. But in cold winter air, saliva evaporates quickly, leaving the lips drier than before. Saliva also contains enzymes to help break down food and these same enzymes can cause irritation and inflammation of the thin skin of the lips.

"When one licks his or her lips over and over again, the saliva strips the natural lip barrier. This leads to more chapping, redness, and even painful fissures,” he added.

In turn it leads to a cycle. When we have dry lips and we lick it, it becaomes more dryness, which in turn leads to more licking, and the cycle repeats. It can even cause lip-licking dermatitis, a condition where the skin around the mouth becomes red, flaky, and irritated.

What Is Lip-Licking Dermatitis?

Studies reveal that lip-licking dermatitis is not just dryness, but it is an irritation from repeated saliva exposure. Amylase and lipase enzymes in saliva degrade the lip's protective barrier and the cold air worsens the resulting inflammation. Symptoms include:

• Persistent dryness
• Burning sensation
• Redness around the lips
• Flaky or peeling skin
• Darkening or hyper-pigmentation, in extreme cases

When left unaddressed in time, this could turn simple actions of eating, speaking, or smiling into painful activities.

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What To Do Instead of Licking Your Lips

Dermatologists recommend a focus on hydration, protection, and repair. Here’s what you can do:

1. Apply a barrier-based lip balm.

Opt for balms that contain ingredients like petroleum jelly, ceramides, shea butter, or beeswax. A good barrier-forming lip balm helps to seal moisture and protect against harsh winds.

2. Avoid fragrance or flavoured lip products

Fragrance or flavoured lip products can tempt you to lick your lips more, aggravating irritation. Therefore, experts suggest that its best to avoid it.

3. Hydrate Yourself

 Lips are the first to show dehydration hence, hydration is very important to keep the lips from drying. Drink enough water during the day.

4. Use a humidifier indoors

Winter heating systems make indoor air extremely dry. Therefore, using a humidifier will help keep the dryness at bay.

When to See a Dermatologist for Dry Lips

If, in spite of using lip balm, your lips stay dry, or if one sees persistent redness, cracks, and dark patches, then it is time to seek the assistance of a dermatologist. At times, severe chapping could indicate underlying problems like eczema, fungal infections, or vitamin deficiencies.

Bottomline

Licking your lips only has a temporary soothing effect, but actually causes more dryness and irritation, especially in the winter season. The key to soft, healthy lips is protection with a good barrier balm and to break the habit of lip-licking.