Dr. Ravits of Margaret Ravits and Associates Dermatology answers Macaroni Kid readers' questions about skin, hair and nail conditions for kids and adults. Got questions for Dr. Ravits? Submit them anonymously HERE and we will post the answers in an upcoming Macaroni Kid newsletter.
4. Nighttime lip treatment
5. Resist the urge
7. Cover up outside
8. Use a humidifier
Q. My lips feel so dry and chapped. What can I do to fix this?
A. If you want soft, supple lips, there are 8 simple things that you can do.
1. Buy the right lip balm
There are lots of lip balms and ointments for sale in stores. If your lips are very dry, it is best to chose an unscented lip balm that is unflavored and non-medicated such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment. If you apply a lip balm but your lips feel even more irritated or there is a stinging, tingly feeling, you may need to avoid certain ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter or menthol. In that case, use Vaseline jelly without additives (look for the word petrolatum on the ingredients label).
2. Reapply throughout the day
Keep a tube of lip balm handy so that you can reapply it a few times during the day. If you wear lipstick, apply the lip balm before you put on your lipstick to seal in the moisture.
3. Use lip balm with SPF protection
If you go skiing or play outdoor sports, especially at elevated levels such as a mountaintop, you should apply (and reapply) a lip balm with a minimum of SPF 15 to protect your lips
from the sun's UV rays. It may be cold outside but the sun's rays are still strong and they also reflect off the snow.
4. Nighttime lip treatment
Some people apply lip balm to their lips at night for intense moisture treatment. If you do this, try to minimize how much lip balm you slather on your lips or wipe off most of it before going to bed. You don't want any excess, greasy lip balm to rub off onto your pillowcase and then transfer onto your face and clog your pores.
5. Resist the urge
Don't lick your lips or pick at the flaky skin.
6. Hydrate
Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
7. Cover up outside
Cover your mouth with a scarf before going outside on very cold days.
8. Use a humidifier
If the air is dry in your house (less than 40% humidity), use a humidifier in your room at night.
If your lips continue to be severely chapped and dehydrated, consult with a board-certified dermatologist to determine if it might be due to another medical condition such as an infection or actinic cheilitis.
About Dr. Margaret Ravits
Dr. Ravits is a caring, experienced, board-certified dermatologist who treats patients of all ages. She and her wonderful team of board-certified dermatologists offer comprehensive treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions in their River Edge and Hackensack offices. Along with her private practice, Dr. Ravits is a Senior Attending at Hackensack University Medical Center where she previously served as the Chief of the Division of Dermatology for 22 years. She is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at NY-Presbyterian Hospital. To learn more about Dr. Ravits, visit her website at http://www.ravitsdermatology.com.
Disclosure: Margaret Ravits and Associates Dermatology is a sponsor of Macaroni Kid Northeast Bergen.
