Lip Balm Isn’t Just For Women: 4 Tips Men Should Know

Lip care is often treated as something to worry about only when the lips become visibly dry, rough or uncomfortable. However, dermatologist Dr Neha Solanki, associated with Mannlich, recommends making basic lip care a regular habit rather than waiting for problems to appear. Unlike facial skin, the lips have very few sebaceous glands, limiting their ability to produce protective oils. Their relatively delicate barrier is also exposed to sunlight, weather changes, air conditioning and habits such as frequent lip licking.

The first step is to avoid waiting for dryness to become noticeable before using a moisturising lip balm. Frequent lip licking and prolonged exposure to dry air can contribute to dryness and discomfort. Regular moisturisation can help maintain the lip barrier and reduce the likelihood of recurring dryness. Dr Neha recommends looking for conditioning ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter, sunflower oil and vitamin E when choosing a lip balm.

Sun protection is another important part of lip care. Dr Neha notes that the lips have less melanin and therefore limited natural protection against ultraviolet radiation. Regular exposure to the sun can contribute to dryness and pigmentation changes. A broad-spectrum lip balm with SPF 30 or higher can provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays, while reapplication is particularly important after eating, drinking, sweating or licking the lips.

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For those concerned about lip pigmentation, aggressive scrubbing or peeling is not recommended. Such practices may irritate the delicate skin and potentially make the problem more uncomfortable. Sun protection should be an important first step, as UV exposure can contribute to pigmentation and other changes. If pigmentation persists, changes suddenly or occurs alongside other symptoms, seeking an assessment from a dermatologist is preferable to trying aggressive home treatments.

The final tip is to make lip care part of an everyday routine instead of treating lip balm as an emergency product. Applying a moisturising balm in the morning before going outdoors and again before bedtime can help maintain hydration. The routine does not need to be complicated, with regular moisturisation, daily SPF and gentle care forming the basic approach.

Consistency is the key to maintaining comfortable and healthy lips, according to Dr Neha. A simple routine can help prevent dryness and provide protection from environmental exposure, while avoiding habits that irritate the lips. Men who have previously considered lip balm unnecessary can therefore treat it as a basic skincare step rather than something that should be used only when dryness becomes noticeable.

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