If you suffer from dry lips, you may have heard you should apply chapstick before bed to help moisturize your lips. There are some who swear by it and don’t miss a night’s rest without properly lathering up their lips first. Others believe there are more negative results and may even find the practice harmful. Although there doesn’t seem to be a definite yes or no answer to this question, there are many benefits and risks to wearing chapstick while you sleep.
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The Pros of Chapstick Before Bed
There are a few reasons why chapstick before bed might be a good idea. First, it can help to lock in moisture and prevent your lips from drying out overnight and help stay moist all day. This is especially important in winter months when the air is colder and drier.
Dehydration effects are higher when you sleep making your lips much more sensitive. Applying chapstick before bed can penetrate deeper, giving you soft, moist lips by the time you wake up.
Chapstick can also act as a barrier against external irritants like dust or pollen. If you have allergies, chapstick before bed can help to reduce irritation and prevent waking up with dry, itchy lips. It can also help you keep your mouth closed while you sleep so you don’t wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat.
The Cons of Chapstick Before Bed
On the other hand, there are a few reasons why chapstick before bed may do more harm than good. First, it can smear off your lips onto your face and pillow if you’re someone that turns over a lot in your sleep. This can lead to blackheads and breakouts.
Chapstick can also be addicting. Some people can become dependent on chapstick due to the feeling of temporary relief they provide. This can lead to a cycle of using chapstick more frequently, which can then lead to even more dryness and irritation.
It’s best to use chapstick sparingly– only when needed, instead of making it a habit to wear chapstick everyday.
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Healthier Alternatives to Chapstick
There are a number of healthier, more natural alternatives that can help you moisturize your lips without putting you at risk synthetic chapsticks may have.
Lip Balm: Natural lip balms like beeswax are similar to chapsticks but usually have fewer ingredients. This makes them less likely to cause irritation or addiction.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a natural alternative that can be used to moisturize the lips. It is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.
Petroleum Jelly: Petroleum jelly is another option for those looking for a chapstick alternative. It is thick and creamy, making it ideal for sealing in moisture overnight.
Shea Butter: Shea butter is full of vitamins that can help heal and moisturize your lips naturally. It will help create a barrier on your lips, locking in moisture while it helps heal dry, chapped lips.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a great way to naturally hydrate your lips. It is fast acting and can provide immediate relief for dry and cracked lips.
Humidifier: Turning on a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep can help add moisture into the air which will help your lips from becoming dry and chapped.
Honey: Honey is not only delicious but it is a humectant, a substance that helps retain moisture in the body. Applying honey to your lips before bed can help you wake up with soft, plump lips.
Fish or Fish Oil: Fish is full of omega-3 fatty acids which keep your skin and lips moisturized. If you’re not a big fish eater, you can also try fish oil supplements which will give you the same nutrients without the fishy taste.
Cucumber: Cucumber is full of vitamin B5 which has moisturizing, soothing, and barrier-boosting capabilities. Rubbing a sliced cucumber can help add moisture to your lips and comfort any chapping or irritation.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an amazing moisturizer that boosts blood circulation and skin regenerating capabilities, leaving you with soft, plump lips. You can take vitamin E supplements or find it in oil form to apply directly to your lips.
Drink More Water: Drinking more water is the most natural and inexpensive way to hydrate yourself from within and prevent dry lips. Drinking a glass of water a few hours before bed can help your lips stay hydrated while you sleep.
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