Lips

Can biting your lips make then bigger?

Biting your lip is unlikely to make it bigger. In fact, it can cause damage to the delicate skin on your lips, leading to irritation, soreness, and even swelling in the short term. Repeated biting or licking can result in chapped lips, which may crack or bleed. If the lip is injured, the body may temporarily increase blood flow to the area, causing mild swelling or puffiness, but this is not permanent. The lip will usually return to its normal size once the irritation or injury heals. For fuller, more prominent lips, many people turn to cosmetic treatments such as lip fillers, rather than relying on habits like biting. If lip biting becomes a persistent habit or causes discomfort, it's advisable to address it to prevent long-term damage.

How do I heal cracked lip corners fast​?

To heal cracked corners of your lips quickly, apply a thick layer of nourishing lip balm or ointment containing lanolin or petroleum jelly. This helps lock in moisture and protect the skin. If the cracks are severe, a small amount of hydrocortisone cream can reduce inflammation but only for a short period. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid licking or biting your lips, as this can worsen the cracks. Gently exfoliate with a soft toothbrush or lip scrub, but be careful not to irritate the area. If the cracks persist or become infected, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Why are my lips extremely dry?

Extremely dry lips can be caused by several factors. One of the most common reasons is dehydration, which makes your body—including your lips—lack the necessary moisture. Environmental factors such as cold weather, wind, or dry indoor heating can also dry out your lips. Overexposure to the sun can cause sunburn on your lips, leading to dryness and peeling. Another cause might be frequently licking your lips, as saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips drier than before. Certain lip products containing irritants like alcohol or fragrance can also worsen dryness. Medical conditions, such as an underactive thyroid, vitamin deficiencies, or conditions like eczema or psoriasis, can contribute to dry lips as well. If the dryness persists, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for advice or treatment.

What causes cold sores on lips?

Cold sores on the lips are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2), which is highly contagious. The virus remains dormant in nerve cells after initial infection and can reactivate due to factors such as stress, illness, hormonal changes, sunburn, cold weather, or lip trauma. Cold sores appear as fluid-filled blisters around the lips and typically heal on their own within 7 to 10 days. Antiviral treatments can help reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks.

Is vaseline good for your lips​?

Vaseline (petroleum jelly) can be good for your lips. It creates a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture and prevent further dryness. It can be particularly helpful in cold or windy weather, as it prevents moisture loss and soothes cracked or chapped lips. However, while it is effective at sealing in moisture, it doesn't actually add hydration to the lips, so it’s best to apply it after your lips are hydrated. For optimal results, consider using it in combination with a hydrating lip balm or other moisturising treatments.

Is lip balm skincare?

Yes, lip balm is considered skincare because it helps protect, hydrate, and nourish the delicate skin on your lips. Just like moisturisers for your face, lip balms prevent dryness, chapping, and damage from environmental factors such as wind, cold, and sun exposure. Some lip balms also contain SPF, antioxidants, and healing ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or hyaluronic acid, making them an essential part of a skincare routine.

How often should I exfoliate my lips?

You should exfoliate your lips one to two times per week to remove dead skin and keep them smooth. Over-exfoliating can lead to dryness, irritation, or even small cracks, so it’s important not to overdo it. If your lips are already chapped or sensitive, it’s best to skip exfoliation and focus on hydration instead. To exfoliate properly, use a gentle lip scrub, preferably sugar-based or enzyme-based, and apply it with a soft toothbrush or your fingertip. After exfoliating, always rinse and follow up with a hydrating lip balm to lock in moisture.

What are the best ingredients to look for in a lip balm?

When choosing a lip balm, look for ingredients that hydrate, protect, and repair. The best moisturising ingredients include hyaluronic acid, shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax, all of which help retain moisture and create a protective barrier. For healing and soothing benefits, aloe vera, vitamin E, and honey are great options as they help repair damaged lips and provide nourishment. If you’re using lip balm during the day, SPF protection is essential to shield your lips from sun damage; ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone offer effective sun protection. However, it’s important to avoid certain ingredients that can dry out or irritate the lips, such as fragrances, menthol, camphor, phenol, parabens, and petrolatum. Choosing a lip balm with the right balance of hydration, healing, and protection will keep your lips soft, smooth, and healthy.

Can smoking damage my lips?

Yes, smoking can significantly damage your lips in multiple ways. The heat from cigarettes, combined with the chemicals in tobacco, can dry out the lips, making them more prone to chapping, cracking, and discoloration. Over time, smoking can also reduce blood circulation to the lips, leading to a dull, darkened appearance, often called "smoker’s lips." This happens because nicotine and other chemicals constrict blood vessels, reducing oxygen flow and causing pigmentation changes.

Additionally, the repetitive motion of pursing the lips while smoking contributes to fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, sometimes called "smoker’s lines.". These wrinkles can deepen over time, making the skin look prematurely aged. Smoking also weakens collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining smooth and youthful-looking lips.

Another risk is delayed healing and increased susceptibility to infections. If your lips are cracked or have minor cuts, smoking can slow the healing process and make them more prone to infections. The chemicals in cigarettes also weaken the skin’s natural barrier, making the lips more vulnerable to dryness and irritation. Quitting smoking or reducing tobacco use can help improve lip health over time. Using hydrating lip balms, drinking plenty of water, and applying SPF lip protection can also help repair some of the damage and prevent further deterioration.

Are chapped lips a sign of vitamin deficiency?

Yes, chapped lips can sometimes be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, particularly if they are persistently dry, cracked, or peeling despite proper hydration and lip care. Deficiencies in B vitamins, especially B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, and B12, can lead to dry, irritated lips and even cracks in the corners of the mouth. Vitamin C deficiency can also contribute to chapped lips, as it plays a role in collagen production and skin repair. Iron and zinc deficiencies are additional factors that can cause dryness, as these minerals are essential for healthy skin and wound healing.

If your lips remain chapped despite using lip balm and staying hydrated, it may be helpful to evaluate your diet. Eating a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, dairy, eggs, lean meats, nuts, and fruits can help prevent deficiencies. In some cases, a doctor may recommend supplements if a deficiency is suspected.

Can sunburn affect my lips?

Yes, sunburn can severely affect your lips because the skin on the lips is thin and lacks melanin, making it highly sensitive to UV radiation. Prolonged sun exposure can cause redness, swelling, dryness, peeling, and even painful blisters on the lips. Over time, repeated sunburns can lead to lip hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer, including actinic cheilitis—a precancerous condition caused by sun damage.

To protect your lips, it’s essential to use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher when spending time outdoors. Reapplying every two hours or after eating and drinking helps maintain protection. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and staying in the shade during peak sunlight hours can also help prevent sunburn. If your lips do get sunburned, applying aloe vera gel, honey, or a soothing lip balm can help reduce inflammation and speed up healing.