Dry, chapped lips need gentle care and fewer exposures that make them uncomfortable. A well-tolerated balm used regularly helps maintain softness. It is useful throughout the year, including with facial hair and when travelling.
Why do lips become dry outside winter?
Wind, cold or dry air, sunlight and frequent lip licking can contribute to dryness. The NHS also lists dehydration and reactions to products among possible causes. Warmer weather therefore does not necessarily resolve the problem. [1]
Notice when your lips most often feel tight: on the commute, while cycling, at your desk or first thing in the morning. A balm is most useful when it is easy to reach. Keep it by your keys or in a bag pocket rather than leaving it in your holiday wash bag.
Why can licking your lips make things worse?
Repeated exposure to saliva followed by drying can disrupt the barrier of the lips and surrounding skin. DermNet describes this mechanism in lip licker’s dermatitis. If you catch yourself doing it, use that as a prompt to change the habit. [2]
Avoid pulling off flakes or trying to smooth sore lips with a harsh scrub. Lip care should feel comfortable. Tingling, burning or stinging after a balm is not a desirable effect.
What makes a lip balm suitable for a moustache?
With facial hair, precise application and the feel afterwards matter. Apply the product to the lips in an amount that lets you speak and eat comfortably. A thick layer that transfers onto your moustache can make regular use less appealing.
ultimate! lip balm is designed for everyday lip care. Its ingredients include shea butter, jojoba oil, squalane and Ceramide NP. The formula helps maintain softness, with a texture designed to feel comfortable alongside a moustache.
Start with a thin layer and reapply during the day as needed. The click-clack packaging makes it an easy addition to the small essentials you keep with you.
The balm contains grapefruit oil. If you react to fragrance or citrus ingredients, choose a fragrance-free product that suits your lips. Plant origin alone does not guarantee tolerance.
A simple everyday routine
- Apply a well-tolerated balm when your lips feel dry and before bed.
- After eating or drinking, check whether another thin layer would help.
- Keep the applicator clean and do not share the product.
When might ordinary lip balm be insufficient?
If dryness does not improve after two to three weeks of gentle care, consult a dermatologist. Painful cracks, recurring problems at the corners or a lasting change on one lip may need different care. Lip inflammation has several possible causes, including irritation and allergy. [3]
Before a trip, see our guide to skincare while travelling. If your legs and upper arms also feel dry, read about year-round body care.