In my practice, I want my patients to feel confident in their own skin, as when we feel good about ourselves, we can often find skin issues diminish and we start to look better. In the coming weeks, I will share some simple tips to solve common skin problems. I’ve recently noticed my lips feeling dry and becoming cracked due to consistent changes in the weather so thought it would be a good place to start.

Naked Lip Physiology

Skin on the lip is incredibly thin and transparent, so naturally lends itself to being the driest area on our face. This physiological fact combined with changes in the weather can all contribute to making dry lips a recurring, persistent problem.

When lips become dry, we can get into the habit of licking them. This can make them feel better in the short term, but breaking this habit is important as saliva can make the condition worse. Consistent licking can destroy the thin layer of skin on the lips, leading to painful, cracked, sore lips.

Breaking the Naked Lip Habit

To break this habit, the best thing you can do is protect your lips so they are never "naked". Take some time out to apply a good quality emollient balm or moisturising gloss in the morning and evening. Find a balm that you love and make sure you carry it around to reapply when you feel like licking your lips. Ensure to reapply after drinking and eating as well as when you are about to go outside. Dry lips can be restored from developing this new habit - ensuring that your lips never go "naked".

To keep lips in top condition, add lip exfoliation to your night time routine twice a week, and regularly apply your balm. This will keep your lips in great shape, adding definition as well as helping to prevent flaking and chapping. In turn, you'll feel less conscious about your lips and increase your confidence.

There are lip products within the LP Skin Therapy range that I developed with a leading chemist to improve lip condition and definition. The Refining Lip Exfoliator and Lip Rescue Gel contain a complex of natural calming ingredients to help keep you feeling calm as well as improve the overall look of the lip. I love these products, and for me they are a pleasure to use, but it's important for you to find products that work for you. I suggest you try out a selection and find products you really love because then it won't be a chore to work them into your daily routine and get into the good habit.

Persistent Chapping

If chapped lips continue to be a persistent problem, you may need to consult a physician. Often diet deficiencies and prescription drugs can cause severe dryness in lips. Prescription anti-acne drugs can cause lips to become incredibly dry and no doubt those on this medication will experience much discomfort so it's important to take extra care and take time out to ensure lips are properly cared for. Cheilitis is the medical term for dry lips and can be caused from other factors besides a change in the weather. For example, cracks at the side of the mouth are common in riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency. Too much vitamin A in oral supplements may cause lips to become severely chapped. If in doubt, it's good to check with your doctor or dermatologist.

Smiling is Good for You

The best tip that I can give you is to take time out to ensure that your lips are never "naked" and invest some time into finding what lip products are right for you. And a key final tip is to smile. So many people forget to do it! Smiling is good for you and for your overall wellbeing.