No, you should not lick your lips. While it might provide temporary relief from dryness, licking your lips actually makes them drier in the long run.
Why Licking Your Lips Worsens Dryness
Licking your lips seems like a simple solution for dryness, but it's counterproductive. Here's why:
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Saliva Evaporation: Saliva contains water, which initially moistens the lips. However, this moisture evaporates quickly, leaving your lips drier than before. The NIVEA article points out that saliva evaporates rapidly, resulting in increased dryness. This is further confirmed by multiple sources, including Healthline, Reddit, Chapstick, and UAMS Health.
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Enzyme Action: Saliva contains enzymes designed for digestion. These enzymes, as highlighted by the Think Twice article, can further irritate and dry out the delicate skin of your lips.
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Delicate Lip Skin: The skin on your lips is exceptionally thin and sensitive. Repeated licking disrupts its natural moisture barrier, making it more susceptible to dryness and irritation. The Chapstick article emphasizes the delicate nature of lip skin.
Instead of licking your lips, consider using a lip balm to hydrate them. Choose a balm with moisturizing ingredients to help restore and maintain lip health.
