Photo from VectorStock

Shreya Thiagarajan

Chapped lips can be unsightly and they can hurt.   When your lips are dehydrated, it can be tempting to lick and moisten them. The effect is  temporary and might make things worse.

Licking your lips coats them in a layer of your saliva, which contains enzymes and chemicals used to digest food in your mouth. These enzymes can lead to additional dryness.

When you reach for the lip balm, try to avoid those with potentially irritating ingredients like parabens, alcohol, and fragrances. To make the most out of your lip balm, choose products with SPF, which protects your skin from sun damage, and ceramides, which are fats that help lock in moisture. 

https://www.today.com/style/put-down-lip-balm-doctor-approved-list-chapped-lips-do-t69466

https://uamshealth.com/healthlibrary2/medicalmyths/lickingchappedlips/

https://www.rd.com/health/beauty/dry-lips/