Lips

Hi. I would like advice on the skin on my lips. A month ago, when I went to bed, I did what this person is doing in this picture (I don't know how to describe it.) : http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/38135119_dd100e9bc4.jpg?v=0 ; Just for no reason. I don't remember how long I did that for. I've done that before in different occasions and they've gone back to normal instantly. But the next morning, my lips didn't look or feel the same as how they used to be. They're not as plump as they were before like they lost volume and and they look smaller. The first few days, when I moved them, lines would appear and they looked like they lost shape a bit on the top lip. They look better now, and lines went away, but they're still not the same as they were before. Do you think I have I lost some collagen or elasticity? Could that happen to someone my age? (I'm 18.)  I know it sounds funny that I think it might have been what I did, but they were fine before I did that. They are almost always dried and peeling and they are a little bit right now, but I never treat them. I'm not sure it has to do with that because this has never happened to them before when they were dried. What do you think happened? I don't want to get anything injected into my face because I think I'm too young for that. Please reply. I would appreciate it very much.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
First of all pls don’t worry as there is no medical condition when you can suddenly loose collagen or elasticity of the lips.The dryness and chapped lips can be due to vit B deficiency or cheilitis. Take some vitamin B complex for some days and see if your symptoms improve.

Avoid licking the lips as saliva evaporates quickly resulting in them being drier than before. Drink plenty of water and take multivitamin supplements and do not apply lipstick or other cosmetic products for some days. Use a humidifier to moisturize the air in your home and apply shea butter or Vaseline on your lips.You can also use a homemade ointment mixed from 1 tsp glycerine, 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp castor oil. Spread on lips overnight, refrigerating the leftovers for future use. Eat foods high in calcium, magnesium and flaxseed oil. If a week of compresses and emollients don't do the trick, you can add over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone ointment to your regimen.

In case the symptoms persist then pls consult a dermatologist.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[mayra90]

Thank you for your answer. I know that there is no medical condition, but do you think that I can lose collagen or elasticity just by doing what I did to them?  I've been using Burt's Bees lip balm with pomegranate oil for a week and it seems to be working. They feel and look a lot better especially the bottom lip looks more plumped up. Should I keep using that? I looked up hydrocortisone ointment (I've never heard of it) and I don't think that is for me because my lips are not itching.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The basic idea of using a emollient is to keep the lips mositurised.If the lip balm is helping you then you can continue with it.Use hydrocortisone only when the lip balm is not helping you.

I hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.