Hello, Could you share your questions about lip balms? My profile Shamsa Kanwal, M.D., is a board-certified Dermatologist with over 10 years of clinical experience. She currently practices as a Consultant Dermatologist at https://www.myhsteam.com/ (USA) Profile link: https://www.myhsteam.com/writers/6841af58b9dc999e3d0d99e7
I am a Physician (not dermatologist) but I also practice Ayurveda. Adding some natural health perspective if you need: Chapped lips, along with brittle hair, cracking nails etc is a complex of 'signs' in Ayurveda related to what is called "Vata" energy, the energy of air, which is drying. In cold weather, this energy intensifies. With air travel, it also aggravates. The internal treatment is to hydrate. Drinking warm water throughout the day helps. Externally, a combination of coconut & sesame oil is recommended as a daily practice. Since coconut is very nourishing, but "cold", adding sesame oil balances it well. Massaging hands, feet, face, neck, and lips with this blend will take care of the issue. Warming and applying these oils delivers longer lasting results as oils penetrate deeper than any other off-the-shelf product. Contrary to what some believe, these oils do not block pores. Other Ayurvedic blends for lips may contain aloe vera and beeswax - these are natural humectant and have protective properties. Avoid synthetic flavors, alcohols, or menthol, these may feel cooling at first but actually dry out lips further. Many over-the-counter products provide temporary relief, and require frequent reapplication. For men, simple, unscented, and oil-based balms work best, especially during colder months or travel. Applying a thin layer before sleep allows overnight healing. One therapy used for both cracking and bleeding lips is "turmeric ghee". This is very soothing, and helps to heal the lips.