(NAPSI)—Lips are one of the most sensitive organs in the body. Lips have more than a million nerves, but are often neglected and not treated properly. They are the body’s thinnest and most fragile layer of skin, and lack the sebaceous oil glands necessary to provide strong protection. This leads to dryness and chapping, especially in drastic weather conditions which, over time, can cause oral deterioration and wound susceptibility.
“The lips are one of the most overlooked parts of the body, and ongoing neglect can lead to serious consequences including mouth cancer,” warns Kyle Dosch DDS, a director of Delta Dental. “It is important to schedule your routine dental check-ups where they perform oral inspections to detect any urgent mouth issues.”
Many think that licking your lips provides sufficient moisture but this actually dries them out even more. Use a moisturizing lip balm to keep your lips hydrated. Choose a lip balm that contains shea butter for moisturization, with SPF 30 or SPF 40, as strong UVA and UVB rays are damaging even when it is not sunny out, according to Healthline experts.
Another way to protect your lips is by exfoliating at least once a week using sugar or salt mixed with your preferred nourishing oil, then follow up with a lip balm. Make sure, when exfoliating, you’re not applying too much pressure because you don’t want to break the skin barrier any further. Your body works in wonderful ways to communicate what it needs, so make sure to listen and look at what it is saying. Following these simple and easy steps will let your lips be full and healthy, which contributes to your overall well-being.
