A Dry Spell Can “SpeLL” Chapped lips
The air during the winter time tends to be much drier compared to the warmer months. Add an occasionally chilling wind on an exposed face, and you have all the ingredients to dry out and potentially break the skin tissue on your lips.
This skin tissue is thin, and possesses very few oil-producing glands, so it runs the risk of drying out and potentially getting damaged.
For wearers of braces or Invisalign, especially patients in the early stages of treatment still getting used to the appliances in their mouths, the cold months may take a considerable toll on the lips! Dry lips in the winter, if not addressed timely, can lead to split skin tissue, bleeding, and even cold sores.
Try Not To Lick
Try to avoid licking your lips in the winter months. Your saliva evaporates quickly in the cold air, depriving your lips of the moisture you would think you are applying! So, while it may be tempting, even “not even aware you’re doing it” second nature – try to resist the urge to lick!
Balm Basics
Use a lip balm that’s ointment-based. Ingredients you want to see will include petrolatum, essential oils, or glycerin (Aquaphor, Carmex, Blistex, O’Keefes).
Steer clear of lip balms containing camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol (Burt’s Bees).
Make sure your lip balm contains sunscreen, yes – even in winter! There is an interesting “did you know?” behind this: The earth is actually closest to the sun, and the sun is thus brighter, in January. Any prolonged sun exposure – regardless of the air temperature – can harm your skin, including lip skin! So, sunscreen in your chosen balm is a must!
Keep Covered
Winter clothing tends to neglect the face, but be diligent and keep covered especially if you know your lips are sensitive to cold temperatures and wind. Invest in a scarf or a Balaclava face-covering. The latter especially is catching on as a cold weather garment trend, with wind-proof and cold weather resistant fabrics being used.
While everyone’s threshold of what is “too cold” a temperature may differ, don’t chance prolonged outdoor exposure, especially if you have no face covering on hand. If you do not have to be outside, get indoors.
Good Oral Health Includes Good Lip Health!
Maintaining optimal oral health, especially while you are in orthodontic treatment, is a “full picture” endeavor. Just as you are diligent about brushing, flossing, and caring for your issued orthodontic appliances, do not neglect your lips, particularly in the cold winter months (you only get two of them!)
Questions about orthodontic care or oral health in general? Contact us through our website or call us at (585) 243-3174.