A sunny afternoon at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) finds Consultant Dermatologist, Folakemi Cole-Adeife, discussing an often overlooked yet crucial skincare habit – licking lips. As she sits in her office filled with medical journals and posters on skin health, Ms. Cole-Adeife shares insights that may change the way you care for your lips.
“Licking lips often can lead to dry, cracked, and peeled lips, a condition known as Lip Licker’s Dermatitis (LLD),”
explains Ms. Cole-Adeife. The delicate skin around our lips is not designed to withstand constant exposure to saliva. She elaborates on how saliva’s slightly alkaline nature can disrupt the skin barrier when it comes into contact with the lips repeatedly.
As she gestures animatedly while speaking about the topic, it becomes evident that preventing LLD is more than just avoiding discomfort—it’s about maintaining healthy skin integrity.
“People who frequently lick their lips may notice symptoms like dryness, cracking, or peeling,”
she points out with emphasis.
Ms. Cole-Adeife delves into practical tips to combat this issue.
“Breaking the habit of lip licking is essential to prevent Lip Licker’s Dermatitis,”
she advises thoughtfully. Instead of succumbing to the urge to lick your lips, she suggests using chewing gum as a diversion and applying high-quality emollients such as Vaseline for adequate lip hydration.
In a world where beauty products are ever-evolving, Ms. Cole-Adeife offers valuable advice on choosing lip products wisely. She warns about potential reactions from toothpaste or lipsticks and urges women to check for allergens in their cosmetics before use.
For those experiencing persistently dry or chapped lips due to various triggers like dehydration or product sensitivity, hydration is key. Ms. Cole-Adeife stresses the importance of staying hydrated and incorporating moisturizing routines into daily life.
As sunlight can also impact lip health, sunscreen-infused lip balms are recommended for protection against harmful UV rays—a simple yet effective way to shield this sensitive area from sun damage.
The conversation with Ms. Cole-Adeife goes beyond skincare advice; it underscores the interconnected nature of habits and health outcomes—the small act of refraining from incessant lip licking can pave the way for healthier skin and self-care practices.
In conclusion, while it may seem harmless at first glance, excessive lip licking could be causing more harm than good for your precious pout. By heeding expert advice like that of Ms. Cole-Adeife and adopting mindful skincare habits,
you can ensure your lips remain soft, smooth,
and free from dermatological distress.
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