There are many products on the market promising to firm, tighten and moisturize our skin. Our skin needs moisture to function properly and the harsh elements we face every day can take a toll on its moisture levels. From hot showers and baths to changing seasonal elements, our skin works overtime to do its job. The physicians of Knoxville Dermatology Group understand the importance of addressing skin care issues such as this. In this edition of the skin school blog, we’ll focus on lips and ways to care for them.
Chapped Lips
If you suffer from chapped and dry lips that never seem to go away, even when using lip balm, you may be dealing with product overload. Constantly applying lip balm can reduce the lips’ ability to moisturize themselves. Furthermore, lips dry out faster because they lack the sweat and oil glands that provide moisture.
Keep in mind, lip balms are classified as emollients, which work to seal the skin; and body moisturizers are humectants which draw moisture in.
Tip: Make sure to remove dead skin cells with exfoliation before applying balm. As this prevents flaking and drying, it also triggers new cell growth.
Tip: Sometimes we can get into a habit of licking our lips which inadvertently dries them out. Be more aware of this and try to keep from engaging in this behavior if you can.
As mentioned earlier, products classified as emollients (waxy sealants) can help seal in moisture, such as in our lips, but they also pose a threat to cell growth. Exfoliation is key to stimulating cell growth because it promotes proper blood circulation and sloughs away dead skin cells.
If you would like further information regarding skin care and/or skin conditions, schedule a consultation with one of our board certified physicians. Call 865.690.9467 today!
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