Several vitamins contribute to healthy lips. A deficiency in certain vitamins can lead to dry, chapped, or cracked lips.
Key Vitamins for Lip Health
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Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): This vitamin is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails, including lips. A deficiency can manifest as sores in the mouth or on the lips. Good sources include dairy products, eggs, beans, lean meats, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. [Reference: Vitamin B-2 description]
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B Vitamins (in general): A deficiency in various B vitamins can cause dry and flaky skin, including chapped lips. [References: Healthline, Verywellhealth, Dr. Berg, Tri-City Medical Center]
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Vitamin A: This fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant is essential for overall skin health. While not specifically mentioned as treating chapped lips directly in the provided references, its role in maintaining skin integrity indirectly supports lip health. [Reference: Verywellhealth]
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Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that moisturizes, soothes irritation, protects against sun damage, and can even plump the lips. [Reference: Scout Active Beauty]
Addressing Lip Concerns
Dry and chapped lips can result from various factors, including vitamin deficiencies. While topical treatments can help address immediate symptoms, addressing underlying nutritional deficiencies is important for long-term lip health. Consider incorporating foods rich in the vitamins mentioned above into your diet.
