When lip skin is dry, dry, rough patches will appear on the surface of the lip skin, causing unsightliness and discomfort for people with this condition. Surely, all of us will have those "itchy" times when we touch our lips and peel off these patches of skin. So is it good to peel your lips a lot? Let's answer questions related to lip peeling with Dermalogica in this article!
Why do lips get dry?
Before answering the question: Is it good to peel your lips too much? Let's find out what are the causes of dry and peeling lip skin!
Compared to other skin areas on the body, lip skin has a much thinner structure. Furthermore, lip skin does not contain sebaceous glands. Therefore, lip skin cannot secrete oil to moisturize like other skin areas on the body. Therefore, lip skin is very fragile and easily susceptible to influences from within the body and external factors.
Causes of dry lips
Below are some common causes of dry and peeling lip skin:
#1 Dry lips due to dehydration
Lack of water in the body is one of the main causes of negative effects on the skin, including the lips. Lack of water causes lip skin to always be dry, chapped and peeling.
#2 Weather changes
Dry, cold temperatures and low humidity cause lip skin to become dehydrated and cause dry lips. Dry lips is a common condition in people living in cold, dry areas like the North.
#3 Bad habits
Licking lips is a common habit in many people. However, studies have shown that licking your lips only helps temporarily relieve dry lips. Saliva contains amylase (starch enzyme). Amylase when exposed to air will make the skin of the lips drier. Therefore, the more we lick our lips, the drier they will be. Licking your lips is a bad habit that needs to be eliminated.
#4 Using lipsticks that are too matte
Many people have the habit of using matte lipsticks that adhere well to the surface of the lip skin. Although this lipstick can create beautiful color for the lips. But in the long run, removing this matte lipstick is not easy. Not removing makeup thoroughly can cause dry and dull lips.
#5 Use of drugs
Some medications, when used, can cause temporary dry lips.
#6 Micronutrient deficiency
Symptoms of peeling lip skin can also be a warning sign that your body is lacking some trace elements such as zinc, iron, vitamin B1...
Is it good to exfoliate your lips a lot?
So is it good to peel your lips a lot? Lip peels can temporarily help you remove peeling patches. However, lip peeling is absolutely not recommended. Lip peeling does not help dry lips, but it also makes dry lips worse. Your lips can even face bleeding and more severe damage.
Consequences of lip peeling
- Chapped and drier lips: Peeling your lips will damage the epidermis. Therefore, lip skin will lose its ability to retain moisture thanks to the keratin cell layer in the skin epidermis. Therefore, dehydration of the lips will happen faster, making them more chapped and dry.
- Bleeding and damage: The habit of peeling lip skin will cause the skin to bleed, causing pain when eating or talking.
- Causes dark lips: Compared to other skin areas on the body, the skin on the lips is inherently more vulnerable and sensitive. Therefore, lip skin is susceptible to dryness and peeling due to changes from internal and external factors in the body. Peeling off the skin of the lips will reduce the ability of the lip skin to protect itself. Therefore, under the influence of sunlight, the colored lipsticks we use every day... will make the lips dull and dark.
- Risk of diseases: Lip skin acts as a protective membrane. Lip skin not only prevents harmful effects from ultraviolet rays but also protects the skin from bacteria and dirt. When we peel off the skin on our lips, it will cause the skin to lose its natural protective layer. From there, bacteria and viruses will easily attack, causing skin diseases and infections.
For the above reasons, peeling your lips is a bad habit that you need to eliminate immediately if you want to have plump, rosy lips.
Conclusion
Is it good to exfoliate your lips often? The answer to this question is definitely: NO. Peeling your lips will damage your skin and make it harder to recover. So what is the solution for you in case your lips are dry and peeling? How can you minimize dry, chapped lips? Let's explore with Dermalogica ways to minimize dry lips in the next article !