20 replies to this topic

[unlovely2011]

So this isn't relevant to acne but it is a cosmetic issue I've always had trouble dealing with. My lips chap very easily, maybe because they're very full? I'm not sure why. I know some people have these problems due to Accutane or other drugs but I've never used that. I make certain never to lick them, and apply a Burt's Bees honey based lip balm often. Still I get huge flakes on my bottom lip. I've also tried exfoliating with sugar. That seems to work temporarily too. I also know dehydration can be the reason, but I do drink a lot of water to balance out my coffee and green tea consumption. Especially since the weather is getting colder, I need a great lip balm/ointment or some kind of home remedy for daily use. Suggestions?

[hotburrito]

Ugh, I have the same problem, only I'm now on Accutane so you can imagine how bad it is for me. Basically, I've found that Vaseline or any petroleum-based product (like the Rosebud Lip Salve stuff you can get at Sephora or Kiehl's lip balm) works really well.

[OlympusMons]

I also have very dry lips often, but that's because I burned my whole face 2 years ago (other areas never get that dry, however).
I use petroleum jelly. But if I stay more than 3 or 4 hours without putting it, they get dry. I don't think any industry cosmetic would work better than petroleum jelly (I tried a lot of stuff in the time I still believed in cosmetics, and nothing would even get close to petroleum jelly.)

Would like to hear suggestions also!

Edited by OlympusMons, 12 November 2011 - 03:07 PM.

[gemmyjunebug]

I love Carmex for $1. It does the job very well. I like the cooling menthol, spf, and the SA in the formula. I noticed when I ran out of toothpaste and used my husbands my lips got chapped and flaky. Went to the store bought my Sensodyne and all was good. Toothpaste/mouthwashes can make a huge difference. Also the decreased humidity in the air and added heating in your home can really dry out your lips and skin.

[ohhhhhhnooooooo]

Vaseline works great.

[gems2889]

I use 100 % pure jojoba oil from desert essences. I take it ever where I go

[ReclusiveFeline]

Try coconut oil. I've got the same problem but I'd bite at my lips til they bled. I think it was a nervous tick or something. Anyway seems to work well for me.

[tim12]

I use a walgreens generic version of aquaphor, it works great!

[californiaEstie]

Aquaphor or Vaseline

[unlovely2011]

definitely gonna give vaseline/petroleum a try, thanks. does that come in a tube? because i read that it's very unsanitary to use your finger to dip into a little jar. i may also try carmex, since i never have, but i do know menthol would be counterproductive and i can't imagine SA on my lips would be good news. if neither works for me i'll try some oils then. thanks guys!

[Callum.]

Carmex is good, Aquaphor is very short-lasting for me.

[OlympusMons]

unlovely2011, on 13 November 2011 - 06:50 AM, said:

definitely gonna give vaseline/petroleum a try, thanks. does that come in a tube?

Yes. There are both in tubes and jars. You're right, tube is more hygienic and preserves better.

I'll also try coconut oil, as soon as I can find some good quality one. Olive oil also works fine on my lips.

[Ilovemesomevanity]

hotburrito, on 12 November 2011 - 03:00 PM, said:

Ugh, I have the same problem, only I'm now on Accutane so you can imagine how bad it is for me. Basically, I've found that Vaseline or any petroleum-based product (like the Rosebud Lip Salve stuff you can get at Sephora or Kiehl's lip balm) works really well.

ROSEBUD SALVE <3333333 that stuff is amazing

[Ghost08]

My boyfriend has a very very flaky bottom lip. I encourage him to drink lots of water and when he actually listens to me, his lips seem much better.
If drinking more water doesn't help you, I'll share what I do.
I religiously apply Blistex (In the green tube) all day. At night before bed, I apply Bigelow 8 Hour Deep Conditioning Balm.
Hope this helps!

Edited by Ghost08, 14 November 2011 - 03:09 PM.

[adalyn]

crazy stuff, but i used to have chapped lips all the time and my cure for it is pretty simple:

1. during the night, right before you sleep, moisten your lips with water, towel dry, and immediately apply a generous amount of vaseline on them. if they're really dry, try putting on oil (any works, I used argan oil) and then petroleum jelly.

2. wake up in the morning and use your finger to gently massage your lips in a circular motion - the dry skin should immediately slough right off, revealing new, fresh skin.

3. apply a moisturizing lipbalm/chapstick immediately after, and keep your lips moisturized consistently during the day with this lipbalm/chapstick.

hope this helps!

[unlovely2011]

thanks everyone!

[adalyn]

adalyn, on 14 November 2011 - 09:38 PM, said:

crazy stuff, but i used to have chapped lips all the time and my cure for it is pretty simple:

1. during the night, right before you sleep, moisten your lips with water, towel dry, and immediately apply a generous amount of vaseline on them. if they're really dry, try putting on oil (any works, I used argan oil) and then petroleum jelly.

2. wake up in the morning and use your finger to gently massage your lips in a circular motion - the dry skin should immediately slough right off, revealing new, fresh skin.

3. apply a moisturizing lipbalm/chapstick immediately after, and keep your lips moisturized consistently during the day with this lipbalm/chapstick.

hope this helps!

A few pointers I forgot to say:

- if the finger isn't effective enough, use an old toothbrush and gently scrub your lips in a circular motion.
- this routine should be done every other day.

good luck!

[NessaVenasaur]

Vaseline works well at retaining moisture but I don't think it moisturizes. I could be wrong on that.

So many chapsticks have petrolatum. I've tried a lot of these and still my lips would be chapped when I didn't have the chapstick. I think it's because vaseline/aquaphor/petrolatum-based chapsticks only make your lips feel moist without actually moisturizing. They can still be great over oils that are absorbed by the lips as a way of sealing and protecting your lips, especially in windy, cold weather.

About a month ago I picked up a lip balm from Bert's Bees called Ultra Moisturizing or something like that. It's a white and yellow tube with a gray/silver cap. It's made of different oils and when I wear it with vaseline on top, it really seems to help. Especially if I put both on before bed or showering. During the rest of the day I just wear the balm alone.

There also seems to be a lot of lip scrubs out now. I'm not sure how these differ from facial scrubs...Anyway, I bought one from Paula's Choice when I was buying my salicylic acid for like 5 dollars. I use it once a week and it really seems to help. It's slightly irritating and harsh but, for me, necessary I think. It helps to get rid of that yucky dry skin so that my lip balm works better. There are even scrubs you can make easily make at home!

[californiaEstie]

Funny that I get this thread up today! I just used (and quickly purchased) Clarins Firming Lip exfoliant. My lips were really flaky and annoying- and I work at Clarins so I used some of the exfoliant. HOLY CRAP. It's $24 and I bought it right away, that's how good it is. Just saying. Anyway no, petroleum doesn't "moisturize" but it creates an occlusive barrier that keeps moisture in so it does something similar. layering an oil and then petroleum is fabulous way to moisturize.

[Gutterflower]

I've got an entire handbag full of lip balm of different varieties (Accutane sucks...) and I've found that anything by Carmex or Blistex seems to just gather between the dry bits on my lips and turn into a sticky mess of peeling skin and balm. I know. Sexy. I always have to wipe my lips with a tissue after I eat or drink.

The best thing I've used is paw paw ointment, comes in a decent tube and doesn't just roll around on my lips and make it worse. You just have to be careful because when it warms up on your skin, it'll bleed around your mouth if you've put too much on (no big deal, really, but annoying for some).