Despite what your boyfriend might think, there are plenty of reasons to have healthy, hydrated lips — now the fact that they make him want to kiss you 24/7, well that, my friends, is just an added bonus! Take a peek at what top experts have to say on the subject, and learn why keeping your mouth moisturized is so important.
Your skin heals faster
According to Dr. David Bank, M.D., Founder and Director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, your skin heals better when it's kept moist. Thus, a good lip balm can help seal up any cracks on chapped lips and prevent infection, as well as further irritation. Ah, thank goodness, right!?
You appear younger
It sounds too good to be true, but having a hydrated mouth can actually knock years off your age (think fewer wrinkles around your pout!). Dr. Ruthie Harper, M.D., says there are now even lip balms available that contain ingredients, such as antioxidants, elastin stimulators and collagen, to prevent aging. "There are also many lip balms formulated with SPF to protect against sun damage, which can ultimately lead to unsightly pigmentation on the lips or worse, skin cancer."
You avoid that embarrassing chapped lips look
If you've ever experienced really painful, peeling, cracked lips, you know how embarrassing it can be to show your face, um, anywhere! Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in the Department of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, warns that your pout is particularly at risk to damage from the environment this time of year. "Your lips naturally produce an oil that keep them moist. During the wintertime though, this thin layer is easily licked off. In combination with the cold, windy weather, this often leads to dry, chapped lips." So do yourself a favor, people, and wear some lip balm!
Your lipstick looks way better
Expert tip: If you have chapped lips, don't lick them! According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Neal Schultz, saliva increases the irritation and makes chapping worse. Believe it or not, your lipstick looks a million times better when applied to a moisturized mouth. Bright lipstick in particular can settle into cracks on chapped lips and accentuate the dryness. To avert this, Dr. Bank suggests investing in an exfoliating lip balm. Exfoliating, he notes, is equally as important as hydrating to keep your lips soft. Hey, whatever it takes, we'll do it!
Article By: Elizabeth Mitchell