Dr. Rx: Protect those lips all year long
VCU School of Pharmacy faculty, alumni and students have provided the Dr. Rx column for Richmond’s Fifty Plus magazine since December 2009. We now share those columns on the SOP website, as well, for those who might not have seen the most recent issue.
Serving as Dr. Rx for August 2014 was Stacy Chen, a fourth-year Pharm.D. student who is interested in pursuing a residency after graduating. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry, at VCU.
Dear Dr. Rx: I have trouble with dry lips both summer and winter. Help!
Lip protection and lip balm are important during both the winter and summer seasons. Lips tend to be drier during the wintertime, and sunburned lips are especially common in the summer months when people are spending more time outdoors.
Lips can be sensitive and can sunburn easily because the skin on the lips is thinner compared with skin on other areas of the body. Also, your lips lack melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning skin and protecting skin from ultraviolet rays.
It is possible to absorb and even swallow lip balm ingredients; therefore, it is important to look at all ingredients on the label when choosing your lip balm and to avoid a product if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Of note: Menthol and camphor can be irritating, and alcohol can be drying.
Here are some tips to protect your lips:
* During the winter, do not lick lips when you feel they are dry because that makes them feel drier. When you are buying lip balm, look for balms that have petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA and glycerin because they help keep moisture in.
* Choose a lip balm with SPF 15 to protect your lips from UVA and UVB sun rays during all months of the year.
* Put on a thick layer whenever you apply lip balm, and use it whenever you feel your lips are chapped.
* Do not share your lip balm, as diseases can be transmitted that way.
* Do not use regular lotion on lips because its efficacy depends on the active and inactive ingredients. Some sources say you can use cocoa butter lotion on lips because the fat is edible.
The main point is to keep your lips hydrated. There is no standard recommendation for the number of times to apply lip balm throughout the day. Applying it before bed and upon waking is a reasonable place to start. Then let your lips be your guide from there.
If you are still suffering with dry, chapped lips despite these tips, consider talking to your doctor. Dry lips could signify a more serious health problem, such as dehydration. Lips also can develop sun spots and even cancer, just like the rest of your skin.
Pay attention to your lips. You need to protect them.
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