Lip Care

Lip balms that repair rather than just coat: Carmex, Blistex, Bioderma Atoderm and Vaseline Lip Therapy, with SPF options for sun and ski. Pharmacist advice for chapped lips and cold-sore-prone lips.

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Chapped lips, cold sores and the balm habit

Lips have no oil glands, so they dry faster than any other skin. The fix is a balm with an occlusive base (petrolatum, lanolin or beeswax) applied before lips crack, not after.

For everyday dryness

Carmex and Blistex Lip Relief Cream are thick, medicated balms that cool and protect; Vaseline Lip Therapy is the simplest, cheapest barrier. Bioderma Atoderm balm is fragrance-free and best for sensitive or eczema-prone lips.

For cracked corners and peeling

Stop licking, biting and peeling, which restart the cycle. Apply balm every two hours for three days and at night. Cracks at the corners of the mouth that persist can be a fungal or iron issue; ask us.

Cold sores

Tingle, then blister: treat at the tingle stage with an antiviral cream or a Compeed cold sore patch, which hides it and speeds healing. Lip SPF prevents sun-triggered outbreaks. Keep your balm to yourself during an outbreak.

Sun and wind

Lips burn easily and lip skin cancer is not rare. Carmex Moisture Plus SPF30 or any SPF lip balm for beach, ski and summer days outdoors.

Pharmacist tip: if a balm makes your lips feel drier a few hours later, it may contain menthol, camphor or flavouring you react to. Switch to a plain fragrance-free balm such as Bioderma Atoderm.

Common questions about lip care

Why do my lips get drier the more balm I use?

Some balms contain menthol, camphor, phenol or flavouring that irritate lips for a minority of people. Switch to a plain petrolatum or fragrance-free balm for two weeks. If it settles, that was the cause.

What is the best treatment for a cold sore?

Start at the first tingle. An antiviral cream such as aciclovir shortens the outbreak if used early; a Compeed cold sore patch protects, hides and speeds healing at any stage. Lip SPF helps prevent sun-triggered cold sores.

Do I need SPF on my lips?

Yes, on bright days outdoors. Lips burn and are a common site for sun damage. Carmex SPF30 or any SPF balm, reapplied after eating and drinking.

Written and reviewed by the pharmacist team at Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise. General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Ask us in store or on WhatsApp.