Why Lip Scrubs Can Make Chapped Lips Worse

If you’re dealing with dry, cracked lips, reaching for a lip scrub might seem like the fastest way to smooth things out. But scrubbing away flakes can actually make your lips worse, leading to irritation, inflammation, and even infections.

Here’s why lip scrubs aren’t the answer and what dermatologists recommend instead for soft, healthy lips.

Why Lip Scrubs Can Make Chapped Lips Worse

1. Scrubs Disrupt the Skin Barrier

Most lip scrubs contain gritty exfoliants that are too harsh for the delicate skin on your lips. According to Lindsey Marie Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, over-exfoliation can cause micro-tears, weakening your lips’ natural barrier.

This leaves your lips more vulnerable to irritation, dryness, and even bacterial infections.

2. Lip Scrubs Can Cause More Irritation

Many lip scrubs contain fragrances, essential oils, and exfoliating acids that may trigger allergic reactions or make dryness worse.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), you should avoid the following potentially irritating ingredients when treating chapped lips:

Fragrance and flavoring (especially cinnamon, citrus, mint, and peppermint)
Camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus
Salicylic acid (common in exfoliating products)
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) (found in some toothpaste)
Lanolin and propyl gallate (which can cause allergic reactions)

Using these ingredients on already cracked or inflamed lips can lead to burning, swelling, or even blisters.

How to Heal Chapped Lips the Right Way

Instead of scrubbing away dry flakes, dermatologists recommend a gentle, three-step approach to restore moisture and protect your lips.

1. Hydrate from the Inside and Outside

• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.

• Use a humidifier at night to prevent moisture loss while sleeping.

• Apply lip balms with humectants like hyaluronic acid to attract moisture.

2. Protect and Rebuild the Skin Barrier

• Use lip ointments containing ceramides, shea butter, and castor seed oil to soothe and repair dry lips.

• Look for mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) in your lip balm to protect against UV damage.

3. Lock in Moisture with Occlusives

• Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline or Aquaphor) to seal in hydration and prevent further moisture loss.

• Reapply lip balm frequently throughout the day and before bed for overnight healing.

Dermatologist-Approved Products for Chapped Lips

Aquaphor Lip Repair – Contains glycerin and shea butter to calm inflamed lips.
Remedy Lip Balm – Formulated with peptides, ceramides, and squalane for deep hydration.

Tip: If you still have flaky lips, try gently wiping them with a warm washcloth instead of scrubbing.

The Bottom Line

Lip scrubs aren’t the solution for chapped lips they can worsen irritation and disrupt your skin’s natural barrier. Instead, focus on hydration, protection, and moisture retention to heal dry lips effectively.

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