If you are someone with bleeding lips or fine lines on and around your lips, this one’s for you. To find out how to stop bleeding lips, you must first find out what caused it. No matter how expensive your products are, getting the basics right for perfectly luscious lips is important. So, keep reading to find out about the causes of bleeding lips and how you can take care of them. Scroll down!
Keep In Mind
There are many simple yet noticeable causes of bleeding lips which we tend to ignore most of the time. Here is a list.
A blogger shared her experience with chapped, bleeding lips. She explained, “If your lips are chapped, you probably lick at them quite a bit. When they’re so chapped they’re prickly, you probably even bite at those prickles, sometimes drawing blood. But it’s okay, because every time you roll your lips (which is a lot), that pokey feeling of dried skin is gone. The red patch is better than that damn pokey feeling (i).”
Quick Tip
Licking your lips can damage the protective film that shields the lips from moisture loss, leading to cracks. Also, saliva contains digestive enzymes, which may draw moisture from the lips and can irritate them.
Lip augmentation
can create plumper, fuller lips or reduce fine lines around the mouth. There are many options for lip augmentation and your doctor can recommend the one that best suits you.
Laser treatments stimulate the growth of new collagen and remove layers of dead old skin
. This is effective for treating fine lines but not for plumping the lips. Laser lip rejuvenation takes a couple of days to recover from, but usually only one treatment is necessary.
These treatments have few side effects and generally no downtime although the effects wear off with time.
Wrap your upper and lower lips over your teeth. Biting down, move your lips from side to side, as though blotting. Without causing pain, apply enough pressure that the movement almost feels uncomfortable. Continue “blotting” for around one minute. You should notice an improvement in the appearance of your lip wrinkles immediately. Perform the exercise once or twice daily for maximum results.
Sit in an erect position. Press your lips together. Do not purse your lips. Maintain your teeth in an unclenched relaxed position. Tap the center of your lips with your index finger, and visualize trying to crush a pencil between the center of your lips. Slowly pull your finger away from your lips and visualize your pencil growing longer. Continue to press your lips together without pursing. You should not see creases in your lips when performing this exercise. When you feel your lip muscles begin to burn, tap the center of your lips rapidly while counting to 30. When performed twice daily this lip training exercise will plump out thin lips and smooth out lines above the upper lip.
Wash your face. Pat your skin dry and apply glycolic acid. This acid will encourage the removal of old skin cells that have assembled into lines and replace them with smoother cells underneath. Smooth the glycolic acid up to your lip line, but do not smooth it on the lip line or on the lips, as it could irritate the delicate skin and burn.
As a home remedy, you may also make a paste with a pinch of baking soda and water to create a gentle exfoliant that helps remove dead skin and promotes healing. This DIY solution can help alleviate dryness and chapping, and prevent those annoying lip bleeds. Baking soda’s natural antibacterial properties also aid in preventing infections (1). Just apply the paste to the affected areas for a few minutes, then rinse off. Baking soda also helps balance pH levels, supporting overall lip health (2). It is not a magic fix, but adding baking soda to your lip care routine can be a simple step to keep the lips happy and bleed-free!
Quick Tip
You can also opt for lactic acid instead of glycolic acid. Lactic acid is milder and is suitable for beginners.
Apply a moisturizer. Massage it into the skin above your upper lips to further reduce lines. Opt for a moisturizer that has a sun protection factor of at least 15. This will help prevent future lines and stop existing lines from worsening.
Apart from these methods, you can also try rubbing ice cubes, biting on a gauze or a soaked tea bag, applying petroleum jelly or vitamin K cream, or using a salt water rinse as a mouthwash to manage lip bleeding.
Note: You must seek immediate medical help if you experience incessant bleeding, severe pain, redness, warmth, pus formation, severe swelling, or difficulty in speaking. Such symptoms may indicate a further injury or underlying medical condition that requires a professional assessment for prompt treatment. The doctor will evaluate the extent of the laceration and recommend stitches or other interventions as required. So, taking these symptoms seriously could prevent further complications and ensure timely healing of your bleeding lip.
Check out more lip care tips to keep your pout soft and healthy.
Cracked and dry lips appear unflattering and may also bleed if ignored. Since the skin on your lips cannot produce natural oils, you need to take extra care to prevent it from cracking and bleeding. Thankfully, a lip balm is not the only option to keep them moisturized. The infographic below has a list of easy home remedies that will help heal cracked and bleeding lips and ensure that your pout stays soft and nourished. Check it out.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Drinking plenty of water can keep you from having bleeding lips. So do not ever forget to stay hydrated. It is essential for your lips and for maintaining your overall health. Other than this, apply suitable lip products to protect the lips and avoid habits like licking your lips. There could be many other causes behind lip bleeding. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions to prevent worsening your lip condition. Follow the steps mentioned above religiously and give your lips the necessary care and protection and consult a doctor if nothing works. If the situation worsens, you might require immediate medical attention.
WELL I HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL
Can I use regular lip balm on bleeding lips?
It is not advised to use regular lip balm on bleeding lips, especially if it contains irritating ingredients. Switch to balms with soothing ingredients like petroleum jelly or natural oils. Thicker application of these balms serves as a barrier, preventing further irritation and allowing proper healing of the skin. However, discontinue using it if it stings or burns, and see a doctor at the earliest for proper care and treatment advice.
What are the best ingredients to look for in lip care products?
Opt for lip care products with hydrating and protective ingredients. Deep moisturizing lip balms should contain natural oils, such as castor seed oil or coconut oil. Another great ingredient for very dry lips is hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture within the skin. Further, ingredients like ceramides and dimethicone can help lock moisture in by creating a protective barrier. Balms with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can also protect your lips from UV damage; ensure a minimum SPF of 30. Avoid products that contain harsh additives like menthol or eucalyptus, which will only irritate the already chapped lips.
How do I prevent my lips from bleeding in winter?
It is essential to keep your lips hydrated to prevent them from drying and bleeding in winter. Opt for high-quality lip balm for all-day use. Use thicker ointments or lip masks at night for long-lasting moisture while you sleep. It is also important to drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and keep dryness at bay. In addition, use an indoor humidifier to counter dry air from heating systems. Refrain from licking your lips since saliva dries them out more, causing cracking and bleeding. Lastly, protect your lips from cold winds by wearing a scarf or mask when outside during extreme weather conditions.
How long does it take for a lip to stop bleeding?
A split or cracked lip usually stops bleeding within 5-10 minutes of applying pressure or a cold compress on it.
Is Vaseline good for lips?
Yes, vaseline has moisturizing properties, which makes it a good remedy for dry, chapped, and cracked lips.
Can I put Neosporin on my lips?
Neosporin is meant for external use only and you should avoid putting it in the mouth or on the lips to prevent the risk of ingestion.
Is coconut oil good for lips?
Yes, coconut oil is good for lips as it can act as a nourishing moisturizer and heal dry and chapped lips.
Delve into the science behind chapped lips. Click on the video and explore the factors, from environmental conditions to personal habits, that contribute to this common issue, and uncover effective remedies for smooth and healthy lips.
Was this article helpful?
Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker
Vaibhavi Gupte is a certified professional makeup artist and hairstylist with 8 years of experience who specializes in makeovers. She uses top of the line makeup products and transforms the look of her clients on their special occasions so that they can flaunt their confident self.
Read full bio of Vaibhavi Gupte
Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.
Read full bio of Jyotsana Rao
Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
Anu is a beauty and lifestyle writer and a graduate of Amity University, Noida, where she refined her writing skills and cultivated her deep passion for the field. She pursued the Beauty Technician Training Program at Maquillage Beauty Institute, which has equipped her with practical skills in various beauty treatments.
Read full bio of Anu Pallavi