How to Repair Cracked, Bleeding Lips
Skincare Q&A with Shelley Foster
Have a question about skincare, skin nutrition or products? Shelley Foster is the owner of Jamele Skincare and a skincare therapist with over 20 years experience. Email her your skincare question on shelley@jamele.co.nz and we’ll post the answer here for the benefit of other readers. Let us know if you wish your name to printed or if you wish to be anonymous.
Reader Question
Hi Shelley
I have polycystic ovaries. As a teenager I had very bad acne and I was put on roacutane. This worked but it left me with a few ongoing issues. The main one is that I get very dry lips, to the point they split and bleed. Is there anything you could recommend? My skin specialist said unfortunately I’ll be stuck with it for life!
Thank you,
Emma
Shelley’s Answer
Dear Emma,
Unfortunately, your skin specialist is correct. One of the long term side effects of roacutane is a tendency to dry cracked lips as the medication permanently dried up your sebaceous glands in the process of treating your acne. So, it’s really a question of how you can best manage this symptom. The good news is there are several very good quality lip balms that we recommend. Using one of these on a regular basis will make a real difference to how your lips look and feel.
Dermaviduals Lip Repair Balm
Dermaviduals Lip Repair Balm contains natural waxes, shea butter and propolis to repair dry, cracked lips. This pigment-free lip balm offers healing, smoothing protection for your lips. Available at Jamele Skincare for $47.
JANE IREDALE LIPDRINK
Jane Iredale LipDrink Lip Balm combines hydrating waxes and oils to provide an antioxidant-rich protective shield. It leaves lips feeling soft, moisturised and protected. Available at Jamele Skincare for $37.
It is also important not to lick your lips! When lips are dry and cracked, it’s tempting to wet them by licking your lips, but having moisture evaporate into the air will only make them more dehydrated. It’s much better to apply lip balm regularly throughout the day. The shea butter and oils form a protective shield that help to keep moisture sealed within your lips.
I also highly recommend you increase the intake of Essential Fatty Acids in your diet. EFAs help to moisturise the skin and lips from within. At Jamele Skincare we recommend Bestow Beauty Plus Oil or Bestow Beauty Oil as the best skin-friendly EFA supplement. Just mix one tablespoon into food daily.
I hope that is of some help and that you can get your lips feeling good again!
Talk soon,
Shelley
