By Adithi Ramakrishnan
A tube of lip balm may seem like the perfect antidote to dry, cracked lips.
But do these over-the-counter products soothe flaking or can they make it worse?
Though dry lips can happen year-round, they’re most common during the winter. The cold outdoors paired with the low-humidity indoors can strip moisture from soft, pillowy lips.
Lip balm can help seal moisture into the lips, said Dr. Jenna Lester.
“That is a good barrier for the external forces,” like against cold wind, said Lester, a dermatologist at UCSF Health.
Does lip balm work?
For most, lip balm is a worthy ally in the fight against chapped lips. But some people can’t take fragrances, flavors and preservatives found in popular balms. When applied, they can sting instead of soothe.
“Those are the people who will say, ‘I tried these things. I thought my lips would get better, but they just keep getting worse and
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