Can you use moisturizer on your lips?

Which moisturizer should you choose?

For very dry lips, plain white petroleum jelly is a practical choice. Ointments are more effective and less irritating than lotions for dry skin, including lips. Apply petroleum jelly when the skin is damp for the best results. A moisturizer you already own can serve this purpose if it is petroleum jelly; an ordinary lotion is not an equivalent substitute.3

For skin generally, lotions are thin and spread easily but are not very moisturizing. Creams absorb quickly and are less greasy, while ointments are thick, greasy and very moisturizing. On cracked lips, a thick ointment seals in water longer than waxes or oils. Choose the texture for the dryness you need to manage, not just how quickly it disappears.14

Look for a fragrance free, hypoallergenic lip product. Helpful ingredients include petrolatum, ceramides, dimethicone, mineral oil, castor seed oil and shea butter. While lips are chapped, avoid fragrance, mint or citrus flavoring, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus, lanolin and salicylic acid. A familiar moisturizer can still contain something that irritates your lips.1

How do you apply moisturizer to your lips?

1. 1Wash your hands before applying lip balm. If using an emollient from a tub, remove it with a clean spoon or spatula.
2. 2Apply a nonirritating lip balm or ointment whenever your lips feel dry. Reapply after eating and drinking.
3. 3Use lip balm or ointment before bed. A thicker ointment is useful for very dry, cracked lips.
4. 4Before going outdoors, apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Reapply every two hours outdoors.

Stop licking, biting or picking your lips. Licking makes lips drier as saliva evaporates, and picking can slow healing. Cover your lips with a scarf in cold weather, and do not share lip balm because it can spread germs. Daily lip care can stay a small habit without becoming a separate administrative department.125

How long should dry lips take to improve?

Regular lip balm use should ease discomfort while your lips heal. Recovery commonly takes two to three weeks, although severely chapped lips can take longer. If your lips keep getting dry overnight, a bedroom humidifier can help, particularly if you breathe through your mouth while sleeping.12

When should you stop or get help?

Stop using a product if it burns, stings or tingles. See a doctor if your lips are hot, painful and swollen, which can indicate infection. Get medical advice if cracking frequently bleeds, your lips worsen despite treatment, or they have not improved after two to three weeks. Persistent dryness can have causes beyond weather, including an allergic reaction or a reaction to medication such as retinoids.25