BEAUTY IS PAIN

WHEN beauty products cause problems. This week: Lip balms may worsen dryness THERE are a number of reasons why lip balms can make lips dry — for instance, some contain known irritating ingredients such as menthol. Others are made with humectants, ingredients that draw water to themselves and the lips.

But in low humidity, humectants can cause moisture to evaporate from the lips, leading to dryness.

‘As a result we apply lip balm more frequently, leading to further cracking and peeling lips, in a vicious cycle,’ says Dr Sasha Dhoat, a consultant dermatologist in London.

‘Subconscious licking of the lips can also lead to further dehydration and soreness.’

Dr Dhoat suggests using ointments rather than lip balms to counter dry lips: ‘They contain fewer preservatives and are more effective at crucially locking in moisture. Look for glycerin or petroleum-based jelly products that are occlusive — i.e. sit on top of the skin in a layer that prevents moisture loss.’