The skin on our lips is thinner than elsewhere on the face and lacks oil (sebum) or sweat glands, making it prone to dryness. In winter and spring, factors like wind, cold, allergies, and colds exacerbate the issue—especially when mouth breathing creates constant air movement that worsens dehydration. Frustratingly, many balms seem to require reapplication every few minutes with little lasting effect, like putting a bandage on a wooden leg.
To turn things around, opt for balms with natural ingredients such as vegetable oils and waxes, advises pharmacist Alexandra Chopard*. These avoid the occlusive formulas that offer short-term protection but can dehydrate lips over time. Top choices include sunflower oil, beeswax, heather honey, apricot kernel oil, and St. John's wort oily extract. This delicious, healing, soothing, and ultra-nourishing balm is one we'd happily devour: Beekeeper's Beautiful Lip Balm by Ballot-Flurin, €16.50.
*Author of "No Longer Being Tired, It's Smart," Quotidien Malin Editions
