Somehow, it seems that I am constantly reapplying lip balm, but it is never enough. With the cold and dry heat back upon us, I wanted to share with you the article I wrote last winter in Daily Health News. Good advice is worth repeating...

SOLVING THE RIDDLE

I spoke with Nick Lowe, MD, a consultant dermatologist in Santa Monica, California, and London, England, and a clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA School of Medicine. He explained that central heating and low humidity are responsible for dry lips and skin in winter months. However, even in the summer, low humidity and sun exposure can lead to chapped lips, especially in dry, desert-like climes.

According to Dr. Lowe, the single best remedy for cracked, chapped or burning lips is good old-fashioned lip balm. He recommends such products as natural beeswax, Chapstick, Blistex, NeoStrata and Vaseline. The secret is to reapply it regularly and frequently throughout the day to both protect and heal.

SELF-HELP FOR CHAPPED LIPS

Other strategies include...

Reapply lip balm after you eat or drink. Find one that soothes as well as improves the condition. Your naturopathic physician can help you choose the best preparation for your particular problem.

Use a balm that contains a broad-spectrum sunscreen, especially during the summer months.

Women should choose a creamy lipstick with a moisturizing base. Use lip balm first, let it dry and then apply lipstick.

Avoid licking your lips. Although this may provide temporary relief to dryness and discomfort, it will inevitably backfire. Saliva contains digestive enzymes that irritate rather than moisturize the lips.

Invest in a humidifier to counteract dry air in the home.

Drink eight glasses of water every day to moisturize from the inside out.

When flying long distances, protect against dehydration by keeping lip balm and skin moisturizer close at hand. Also drink plenty of water, and cut down on alcohol and caffeine.

According to Daily Health News contributing editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND, squalane, a derivative of shark liver oil, is a wonderful natural moisturizer for your lips and other body parts. This material is used by major domestic and European cosmetic manufacturers and can be purchased in its pure form from The Chemistry Store, 800-224-1430 or www.chemistrystore.com/squalane.htm. He also suggests adding B-complex to your regimen to help heal chapped lips and cracking in the corners of the mouth. A 25-mg multi-B vitamin taken twice a day usually does the trick, says Dr. Rubman, who recommends taking these supplements at least twice a day because they only last 15 hours or so in circulation.

NOT TO BE IGNORED

Don't simply ignore chapped lips and hope that they'll go away. If your lips become too dry and cracked, a virus can sneak in and cause painful cold sores (herpes simplex). In other cases, people develop allergies to ingredients in balm, lipstick or even toothpaste. Candida (yeast) infections or dermatitis also can cause such problems as chapped or cracked lips.

When chapped lips fail to respond to simple remedies, such as lip balm, see your dermatologist. Dr. Lowe warns against self-treating with over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antibiotic ointment. Dr. Rubman points out that chronically dry lips may be reflective of deeper deficiencies or metabolic disorders. Consider seeking the advice of a naturopathic physician who works in conjunction with a dermatologist to get the best of both worlds.

Fortunately, in the vast majority of cases, liberal application of lip balm and other self-help measures are all that's necessary to keep your lips smooth and kissable throughout the cold and dry winter months.

Sources...

Nick Lowe, MD, consultant dermatologist, Santa Monica, California, and London, England, and clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA School of Medicine. Andrew L. Rubman, ND, medical director of Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines in Connecticut and adjunct professor of medicine at I.W. Lane College of Integrative Medicine in Winter Park, Florida.