How to keep your lips kissable

Screen-siren red lips might be the rage in Hollywood, but, for most of us, red lips are far less glamorous: They’re a sign that your lips are chapped.

Lips are susceptible to dryness — the root cause of the burning, cracking and flaking — because the skin is thin and they lack oil glands and natural moisture.

Chapping can happen anytime of year, although lips are particularly susceptible in the winter when there is little humidity in the air.

The best way to prevent it is to keep lips protected and moisturized all the time, said Dr. Charles Zugerman, associate professor of dermatology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

“The key to keeping lips healthy and moist is simple: You have to care for them every day. A layer of lip balm applied every morning and again when it’s needed throughout the day will help form a protective layer between lips and the elements.”

Gooey, waxy or creamy

Gooey gels are soothing and moisturizing while giving the appearance of dewiness, said Chase Aston, international makeup artist for The Body Shop. Waxy sticks provide more of a protective shield, he said.

Cream-based formulas tend to be thicker and heavily nourishing, he said.

Linda Wells, editor-in-chief of Allure magazine, likes the gooey ones, especially with petrolatum jelly or shea butter. Sometimes she’ll put a waxy one on top.

Naturals and botanicals

Between eating and talking, some of your balm ends up being ingested. Kiehl’s signature lip-balm ingredient is squalane, made from olive oil, which mimics the skin’s natural oils, said Clyde Johnson, the brand’s director of education.

It’s a conscious choice not to flavor Kiehl’s products with sweet flavors, Johnson said, because that could make licking your licks tempting and cause dehydration.

Ingredients to look for

Wheat-germ oil is very emollient, avocado is very gentle and calming, and vitamin E is a protective antioxidant, Johnson said.

Aston recommends products with beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil and lanolin. Steer clear of cooling agents like camphor, which can be drying or irritating, he said.

Wells best tip: “Avoid scented or flavored balms. These can irritate your skin.” She also makes the case for SPF 15 for sun protection.

Blistex Lip Ointment has an external analgesic that might provide relief from painful chapped lips, Zugerman said,

Prevention

Right after your shower Zugerman recommends putting a warm, damp washcloth on the lips for up to five minutes for hydration.

About once a week take on the additional step of exfoliation, just like you’d do for your skin.

Mix lip balm with a bit of ground sugar and rub it in for a minute or two, he said. Wipe off gently with a tissue, which also removes the dry skin.

Then apply the additional layer of balm, which will seal in the moisture, protect from elements and provide a barrier to potential irritants, such as acidic food.

Aston suggests applying a layer of balm before going outdoors and then, in cold weather, covering the lips with a scarf.

There’s no problem with putting lipstick on top, Aston said.

Samantha Critchell, Associated Press