Winter brings the holidays, cozy sweaters, and, unfortunately, dry air that can wreak havoc on your skin. If you’re one of my El Dorado Hills braces, InBrace®, or clear aligner patients, you might notice that the winter chill is especially tough on your lips.
But don’t worry; Team JKO has you covered! Here are 8 winter skincare tips to protect your smile and keep your lips moisturized and comfortable all season long.
1. Stay Hydrated
One of the best things you can do in winter is add moisture from the inside out. This means drinking plenty of water and eating hydrating fruits and vegetables like oranges, leafy greens, cucumbers, and cabbage.
Research suggests eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (walnuts, salmon, etc.) or taking fish oil supplements may also support healthy, hydrated skin¹, reduce skin inflammation², and improve skin barrier function³.
Dealing with dry mouth and braces or aligners? Well, in that case, staying hydrated will be doubly important. Drinking enough water helps you maintain a healthy, moist oral environment. It can also minimize irritation and prevent the cracked lips that can accompany dry mouth with Invisalign®, Spark™ Aligners, or braces. This tip is especially key with InBrace so your dry tongue isn’t pressing up against the appliance.
2. Use a Humidifier
Though your heating system keeps you warm and comfortable, it also has a drying effect. To counteract the impact of indoor heat, consider running a humidifier at night. It will add moisture to the air that is absorbed by your skin.
3. Choose the Best Lip Balm for Invisalign and Braces
The right lip balm is a game-changer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing products that are free of ingredients that can cause further irritation to chapped lips, including eucalyptus, camphor, artificial fragrances and flavors, and menthol.⁴
Look for ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and ceramides for long-lasting moisture. To protect your lips with braces, try a thicker balm to provide a shield between your soft tissues and hardware. For dry lips with Invisalign or Spark, a lightweight, non-greasy formula is ideal to avoid residue on your aligners.
While the best lip balm for braces or clear aligners boils down to preference, great options include:
4. Don’t Skip the SPF
Wearing sunscreen is important even in the winter. UV rays don’t go away just because it’s cold out. In fact, UV light reflects from surfaces like the snow, increasing the risk of sun damage.
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day will protect your skin and stop the gradual loss of moisture that can come with sun exposure. You can put sunscreen directly on your lips or use a lip product containing SPF.
5. Protect Your Lips Outdoors
The cold, wind, and low humidity can leave your lips feeling like sandpaper. In addition to using sunscreen, consider wearing a scarf or mask that covers your lips and lower face when you’re outside in the cold for prolonged periods. This will create a barrier between your skin and the elements.
6. Avoid Common Lip-Drying Culprits
Clear aligners and braces can cause dry lips, especially while you’re getting acclimated to your appliance. But certain habits worsen the dryness and irritation including:
- Frequently licking your lips: when the saliva evaporates, your lips will feel even dryer
- Wearing matte lipstick: some formulations can leach moisture from your lips
- Picking or biting your lips: avoid picking or biting off flaking skin
- Not wearing sunscreen
7. Use Braces Wax to Enhance Comfort
Are your braces irritating your mouth? Cover the parts of your braces that are bothering you with orthodontic relief wax to minimize irritation and protect your lips.
8. Apply Moisturizing Treatments Before Bed
Your body, including your skin, repairs itself while you sleep, but your skin also loses a bit of moisture.⁵ To leverage natural healing and prevent moisture loss, apply a deep facial moisturizer designed for nighttime use to your skin before going to bed. Pay extra attention to the area around your mouth.
To counteract dry lips with braces or clear aligners, you might want to use an overnight lip treatment, oil, or mask too. A thick, rich formula can help lock in moisture so you wake up with smooth, soft lips.
The Bottom Line
Cracked lips in winter are common whether you’re in orthodontic treatment or not. But, sometimes, the combination of cold, dry air and an appliance can compound the problem.
Simple steps like staying hydrated, liberally applying lip balm with SPF, and using a moisturizing treatment at night can prevent or improve dry lips with braces or clear aligners.
Ready for a Winter Smile Makeover?
If you’ve been considering straightening your teeth, Jeffrey Kwong Orthodontics can help. Book a complimentary consultation at our high-tech El Dorado Hills office today!
Whether it’s offering personalized treatment recommendations or helping you find the best lip balm for braces and clear aligners, my team and I will provide support and guidance every step of the way.
Sources:
- Barcelos, R. C., de Mello-Sampayo, C., Antoniazzi, C. T., Segat, H. J., Silva, H., Veit, J. C., Piccolo, J., Emanuelli, T., Bürger, M. E., Silva-Lima, B., & Rodrigues, L. M. (2015). Oral supplementation with fish oil reduces dryness and pruritus in the acetone-induced dry skin rat model. Journal of dermatological science, 79(3), 298–304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2015.06.015
- Thomsen, B. J., Chow, E. Y., & Sapijaszko, M. J. (2020). The Potential Uses of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Dermatology: A Review. Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery, 24(5), 481–494. https://doi.org/10.1177/1203475420929925
- Parke, M. A., Perez-Sanchez, A., Zamil, D. H., & Katta, R. (2021). Diet and Skin Barrier: The Role of Dietary Interventions on Skin Barrier Function. Dermatology practical & conceptual, 11(1), e2021132. https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.1101a132
- 7 dermatologists’ tips for healing dry, chapped lips. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips
- Lyons, A. B., Moy, L., Moy, R., & Tung, R. (2019). Circadian Rhythm and the Skin: A Review of the Literature. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 12(9), 42–45.
