Winter and chapstick go hand-in-hand, but it turns out that your go-to lip balm might be doing more harm than good for your lips. In fact, experts say that anyone that uses a lip balm made with humectants are the worst you can turn to because of their drying effect on the skin. Here’s why:
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“Lip balms with humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin make lips worse,” says dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., to Style Caster. “These ingredients pull moisture out of the skin, especially in a dry environment, and then the water evaporates away.”
Despite their hydrating properties, Dr. Baumann says that these humectants draw out too much water from the lips and make it harder for them to stay hydrated and protected.
“Humectants hold on to water, and occlusives keep it from evaporating,” she continues. In other words, Humectants will pull moisture to the surface of your lips which will then soon evaporate and cause your lips to feel even drier than before.
So, what should you be using instead? Dr. Baumann recommends opting for formulas that feature the perfect balance of occlusives (beeswax and shea butter) and humectants, which work together to keep the lips hydrated and nourished.
Dr. Baumann also says that licking your lips is a bad idea and suggests stopping this bad habit for the sake of your lips.
