Why Are My Lips Still Dry When I'm Using Lip Balm?

A few days ago, my sister-in-law sent me a message.

Her lips were extremely dry, and despite trying all sorts of lip balms and sticks, nothing seemed to be helping.

Now, as someone who has been involved with skincare and beauty for almost seven years, my first instinct could have been to recommend my favourite lip balm or overnight lip mask.

But that wouldn't necessarily answer her question.

Why were her lips so dry in the first place?

And it got me thinking about how much I've learnt about lip care over the years, particularly the things I didn't know before I started my SeneGence journey.

Because, honestly, how much attention do we actually give our lips?

We brush our teeth, wash our faces, moisturise our skin and hopefully remember our sunscreen.

But our lips?

We generally don't think about them until they're dry, cracked or uncomfortable.

And then we reach for whatever lip balm happens to be sitting in the handbag.

Why Do Our Lips Get So Dry?

The skin covering our lips is much thinner and more delicate than the skin on many other parts of our body.

Our lips also lack the oil-producing glands that help protect much of our skin, which makes them particularly vulnerable to dryness.

And, just like the rest of our face, our lips change as we age.

As collagen and other supporting structures gradually change, our lips can lose some of their fullness. Fine lines may become more noticeable, and the texture of our lips can change.

That doesn't mean we need to do anything dramatic about it.

But it does mean that the lip care routine that worked when we were 25 might not be quite what we need at 45 or 55.

I certainly don't remember anyone teaching me about this when I was younger.

Then again, I didn't know I was supposed to wash my makeup brushes regularly either.

The things you learn!

When someone complains about dry lips, one of the first suggestions is usually to drink more water.

And yes, staying adequately hydrated is important.

But if you're already drinking enough water, another glass isn't necessarily going to fix dry lips.

There are plenty of other factors to consider.

Take the weather, for example.

We're heading into cricket season here in Australia, which means plenty of time outdoors for the boys.

Sun, wind and dry air can all contribute to uncomfortable lips.

And while we might remember to apply sunscreen to our face, how many of us remember our lips?

A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher lip balm is a useful addition to the cricket bag, handbag or car.

Although, as someone who has spent plenty of weekends around sporting grounds, I suspect getting the boys to remember to apply it might be another challenge entirely!

Wind protection matters too, particularly when we're spending hours outdoors.

Then there are all the little habits we don't necessarily notice.

Licking our lips.

Rubbing our lips together.

Picking at dry skin.

Sleeping with an open mouth.

Touching our mouths throughout the day.

Licking your lips might feel soothing for a moment, but as the saliva evaporates, it can leave them feeling even drier.

And pulling away those annoying little flakes can damage the skin underneath.

Sometimes we're contributing to the problem without even realising it.

Could Your Lip Products Be Making Things Worse?

Here's something that surprises people.

Not every lip balm is suitable for every pair of lips.

Some products contain fragrances, flavourings or ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin.

Menthol, camphor and peppermint are examples of ingredients that may cause irritation, particularly when lips are already damaged.

That cooling or tingling sensation might feel like the product is doing something wonderful.

But it isn't necessarily a sign that your lips are benefiting.

And if you find yourself constantly applying a product without any improvement, it might be worth taking a closer look at what you're using.

That doesn't mean all waxy lip balms are bad, either.

Ingredients that form a protective barrier can actually be very helpful because they reduce moisture loss.

Plain petroleum jelly (vaseline), for example, is often recommended for protecting dry, irritated lips.

The important thing is finding something that your lips tolerate and that helps them feel comfortable.

Sometimes simpler really is better.

And what about trying something new?

We all love a new lipstick, lip gloss or lip oil.

But our lips can be sensitive to ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste and even skincare products that end up a little closer to our mouths than intended.

If your lips start burning, itching, peeling or becoming unusually dry after introducing something new, don't assume it's simply your skin getting used to the product.

And don't feel you have to keep using it for four to six weeks to see whether things improve.

While some skincare ingredients can cause temporary adjustment effects on other areas of the face, persistent irritation on your lips isn't something you need to push through.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is stop using the suspected product and give your lips a chance to recover.

If you're unsure what's causing the reaction, a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist can help.

Do We Really Need to Exfoliate Our Lips?

This was another thing I knew very little about before becoming involved in beauty.

Lip exfoliators!

Who knew?

I certainly didn't.

Exfoliation can sometimes help remove loose surface flakes from otherwise healthy lips, but it isn't an essential part of everyone's routine.

And there's a big difference between gently caring for your lips and scrubbing away at skin that's already cracked or sore.

If your lips are dry, inflamed or splitting, I'd skip exfoliation altogether and focus on protecting them.

Even a soft washcloth can cause irritation if you're rubbing too hard.

Once your lips are healthy again, there's no need to exfoliate simply because someone has told you that you should.

Sometimes leaving things alone is the best approach.

So, What's the Best Way to Care for Our Lips?

If your lips are feeling particularly dry, I'd start by keeping things simple.

Choose a gentle, fragrance-free protective lip product.

Apply it regularly, particularly before bed.

Avoid licking, picking or scrubbing your lips.

Protect them from the sun and wind.

And think about whether you've recently changed your toothpaste, skincare or lip products.

You might be surprised by what you discover.

If your lips are persistently cracked, bleeding, painful or not improving after a week or two of gentle care, it's worth getting some professional advice.

And if you're experiencing cracks at the corners of your mouth, that can sometimes have different causes and may need different treatment.

Of course, I have my favourites.

After almost seven years with SeneGence, I've tried plenty of lip products, and I particularly enjoy using our lip balm and overnight lip mask as part of my regular routine.

But what works beautifully for my lips won't necessarily be suitable for someone whose lips are already irritated or reacting to an ingredient.

And that's why I think it's important to ask a few questions before recommending something.

Are your lips simply feeling dry?

Are they peeling?

Do they sting when you apply products?

Are they cracking at the corners?

Have you recently started using something new?

Because the answers can make a difference.

And if you're looking for help choosing lip care products, I'm always happy to have a conversation about what might suit you.

No pressure. No complicated routine. Just a little guidance.

One of the things I love about being involved in beauty is discovering how much there is to learn.

Not just about makeup colours or the latest products.

But about the everyday things we do without thinking.

How we care for our skin.

How our skin changes as we get older.

And why something that works wonderfully for one person might not work for someone else.

My sister-in-law's question reminded me that sometimes the most useful beauty advice isn't about buying another product.

It's about understanding what your skin is trying to tell you.

And sometimes, the best place to start is with a few simple questions.

Because when you don't know, you don't know. And when you do, you can make better choices.

Be real, not perfect. Be Kind. Be Brave. Be Yourself.