While we dwell on the condition of the skin on our face and body, buying a plethora of beauty products to help keep it supple and smooth, we also have a tendency to neglect certain areas of our exterior such as our lips and neck in our daily skin care regime. The lips, for example,  are an extremely delicate part  of our body which is so sensitive that it does not take much neglect for them to shows aging and wear. Vertical lines can appear overnight and a dull texture around the lips and lip area are sure signs that your lips are not receiving the proper amount of care. As you age further, your lips become even more sensitive, becoming prone to dryness, cracking, chapping, and flaking which can become painful when talking and eating.

There are several different factors that can cause lips problems such as dryness, cracking, chapping, peeling, irritation. These factors include seasonal changes, changes in climate and weather, using the wrong type of lipstick or liner, improper moisturizing, food allergies, poor circulation and environmental pollution.

How to care for your lips

A moisturizing lip balm can help repair your delicate lips especially during the cold dry season. If you prefer to use lipstick, try to use one that is moisturizing along with a thin layer of lip balm with a UV protection formula. There are many types of lip balms out there and choosing the right one is dependent upon the condition of your lips. There are cream types of balm that can be used for severe cases, moisturizing gels that can be used daily, convenient 2-in-1 lipstick and balms are also available as are easy to carry balm sticks that fit nicely in your purse. If you happen to run out of your favorite balm, a natural based face moisturizer can be used in a pinch, just apply a thin layer gently over your lips. You can also break open a Vitamin E gel capsule and massage onto your lips, leaving it on overnight to seep into your lips.

Natural based lips balms usually contain gentle and mild ingredient such as beeswax, rosemary and essential oils and are suitable for all lips types and ages including children with chapped and flaky lips. However, for very young children and babies, petroleum jelly is better suited to help soothe and repair their little lips.

A simple solution can be utilized to slow down lips aging, softening them and visibly reducing the appearance of vertical lip lines and dehydration. You may apply this DIY lip treatment at the same time you are applying your DIY facial and eye treatment.  Cleansing, exfoliating, repairing and moisturizing your lips once a week will  help  delay aging and leave your lips looking great.

Those cracks that form at the corners of your mouth can be caused by several different things, and a dermatologist recommendation for treatment depends upon the severity and the cause of the problem. Angular Cheilitis (as it is called) can be the result of a yeast infection (candida) that forms around the outside corners of the mouth. It can also occur because of a bacterial infection such staph, however, bacterial infections usually present themselves after the cracks have shown up.  Vitamin deficiency is also thought to play a role in these cracked mouth corners and ill fitting dentures or just having chapped lips could also be the reason.

The best thing that you can do if you are experiencing this persisting cracking of the mouth corners is to pay a visit to the dermatologist, so that the cause can be determined and a treatment plan can be laid out for you.

Here are some common treatments that a dermatologists might recommend for you if you do happen to suffer from Angular Cheilitis.

In case of a yeast infection

If a yeast infection is found to be the main culprit, then the dermatologist will most likely prescribe a topical antifungal along with a steroid medication. The antifungal will work against the fungus whereas the steroid  will help relieve the swelling, itching and redness. Mycolog II, which is a combination  of the antifungal: nystatin and the steroid: triamcinolone acetonide, is popular treatment. Mycostatin is another version of this cream that might be prescribed. The only catch with applying these creams, is that they are going to in very close proximity to your mouth making contact with your food a real possibility. Also, the steroids may present some bad side effects and will probably not just affect the area it is applied but the whole body.

lll fitting dentures

Be sure to soak dentures in an antiseptic solution every night to prevent them from harboring bacteria. Also be sure to go to a dentist to have them refitted, if your dentures do not seem to fit properly.

Chapped Lips

Children will often get angular cheilits because they lick their lips too much, and the best way to prevent this is to try to encourage them not to lick. A protective lip balm or a layer of Vaseline can also help keep the lips from chapping or splitting.

Bacterial Infection

If the cracked corners end up becoming infected with bacteria such as staph, then antibiotic medication in the form of a topical cream or gel is needed. Miconazole gel, which is also a anti-fungal, is a good example of this type of treatment.

Vitamin Deficiency and low immunity

People who have compromised immune system (such in the case of HIV or AIDS) might suffer from persistent blisters and sores forming at the corners of their mouth. Boosting the body’s immune system with  vitamin supplement might help this.

A simple cure:

Covering the area with a thick layer of petroleum jelly  or a unperfumed lip balm is a good way to keep angular cheilitis under control. This will protect the skin and give it time to heal. Practicing good hygiene and eating a sensible diet will also help.