What’s the Damage: The Lip-Licking Habit in Cold Weather

"Unbeknownst to many, there are certain habits that we consider harmless but can be incredibly detrimental to our well-being. One such habit is lip-licking, especially during colder months. It may seem like a benign action, but it can actually lead to drier lips. Join us as we delve into the surprising ways this seemingly innocent habit can cause harm and what you can do instead to maintain healthy, hydrated lips."

Administrator

13 July, 2024

Many people have the habit of licking their lips, believing that it provides moisture and prevents dryness. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Not only does lip-licking not hydrate the lips, but it also makes them drier.

1 Every Lip Lick Makes Your Lips Dryer

Each time you lick your lips, you’re actually making them drier and paler, taking away from the freshness of your face. Contrary to popular belief, the saliva from lip-licking does not moisturize or soften your lips. This is because saliva contains Amylase, a type of starch enzyme that, when exposed to air, dries out your lips, causing them to shrink and feel rough.

2 Frequent Lip Licking Leads to Darker Lips

It may seem illogical, but there’s a valid reason behind it. The skin on our lips is the thinnest compared to other parts of our body, making it more prone to flaking. When you lick your lips, the saliva causes the thin lip skin to flake even more. The exposed, flaky skin then darkens when it comes into contact with the air, losing its natural rosy hue.

3 Lip Licking Provides a Gateway for Harmful Bacteria

As our lips are constantly exposed to the external environment, they tend to accumulate a lot of bacteria. When you lick your lips, you unknowingly ingest these harmful bacteria, which can have negative effects on your health.

4 Frequent Lip Licking Can Lead to Inflammation, Pain, and Discomfort

Saliva contains digestive enzymes that, when transferred to the lips through licking, can corrode and inflame the delicate lip skin, exacerbating dryness, cracking, and soreness.

5 Lip Licking Increases the Risk of Ingesting Toxic Substances from Low-Quality Lipsticks

Lipstick is an essential cosmetic for many women, but some low-quality products may contain harmful chemicals. When you lick your lips, you ingest these toxic substances, which can have adverse effects on your health. Worse still, some of these chemicals have been linked to cancer, posing a serious threat to your well-being.

Remedies for Dry Lips

– Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

– Resist the urge to lick your lips.

– Nourish your lips with natural products like honey, , , , aloe vera, and , rich in .

– Use safe and nourishing lip balms, such as .

– Opt for reputable lipstick brands that do not use harmful chemicals.

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Take note and break the habit of lip-licking as soon as you finish reading this article. This seemingly harmless habit can have more consequences than you think.

Frequently asked questions

People tend to lick their lips more in cold weather as a subconscious reaction to dry air and wind. The lips are sensitive and can easily become chapped and cracked, so licking them provides temporary relief by offering moisture. However, this habit can actually make the problem worse, as enzymes in saliva can irritate the skin and evaporating moisture further dries the lips.

Lip licking can have negative effects on the lips. Saliva contains digestive enzymes that can irritate and break down the skin on the lips, leading to dryness, flaking, and even cracking or bleeding. Additionally, the moisture provided by saliva evaporates quickly, especially in cold, dry conditions, which further dries out the lips and can lead to a cycle of repeated licking and worsening symptoms.

To prevent lip licking, it’s important to keep your lips moisturized with a hydrating lip balm or ointment, especially in dry or cold weather. Carrying a lip balm with you can help remind you to apply it regularly. You can also try to be mindful of the habit and consciously stop yourself from licking your lips. If the skin is already irritated, using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer can help soothe and repair the damage.

Instead of licking your lips, opt for applying a hydrating lip balm or ointment regularly throughout the day. Look for products that contain natural oils, beeswax, or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. Drinking plenty of water can also help keep your body and lips hydrated from the inside out. Using a humidifier in dry or cold weather can also help prevent moisture loss from your skin and lips.

To heal damaged lips caused by lip licking, it’s important to first break the cycle of irritation by stopping the habit. Then, use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or ointment to soothe and repair the skin. Look for ingredients like petroleum jelly, shea butter, or aloe vera, which are known to hydrate and heal the skin. Applying a thick layer of moisturizer before bed can also help lock in moisture overnight and speed up the healing process.