Dermatologist issues warning over two popular skincare products
People suffering from dry lips should avoid two "overrated" products which risk making the problem worse, a dermatologist has warned.
Dr Aamna Adel, a dermatologist based in London, has urged her followers to steer clear of two popular items that claim to relieve dry lips.
Taking to her Instagram account @dermatologist_adel, the expert certainly didn't hold back in her criticism of the products, which are popular stocking fillers as the colder temperatures cause our lips to crack.
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Dr Adel said: "The problem for me with Carmex and even Burt's Bees is that these two things in combination are actually making your dry lips worse."
She continued: "So if you're someone who is reapplying your lip balm like literally hundreds of times during the day and you still feel like your lips are dry and irritated, I can guarantee [it is] because you're using one of these two."
Dr Adel was quick to stress "I'm not just a hater for no reason", and instead outlined the science-backed reasons for her disapproval with her 608,000 followers, Surrey Live reports.
She explained that the products both contain "quite irritating ingredients" that can wreak havoc on dry lips. Burt's Bees contains beeswax, which is a contact allergen, meaning that it causes an allergic reaction in the skin when it comes into contact with the body. Meanwhile Carmex is packed with other irritants that can leave the skin red and itching.
Dr Adel added: "When you keep applying that to your lips they become more irritated, so you feel like you need to apply more and they become more irritated, and then you end up with drier lips".
Instead, the dermatologist recommended Cerave Advanced Repair Ointment and Vaseline as better alternatives for those struggling with dry lips.
Dr Adel acknowledged that her criticism of the beauty staples might prove controversial, anticipating that outraged followers would "come for her" in the comments. She certainly wasn't wrong, as some users were quick to voice their disagreement with the expert's verdict.
One user stressed: "Couldn't disagree more about Burt's Bees! It is one of the only things I can tolerate on my lips and definitely doesn't dry them out more," while another added: "Carmex CURED my CHRONIC dry lips."
A third simply joked: "I will die with a Carmex in hand!"
The divisive advice follows Dr Adel's revelation that many people are misusing dry shampoo.
In an Instagram video, she told fans: "if you're struggling with a white cast, here's a few reasons why. This is going to sound so simple but you need to shake the bottle properly before you start, and in between sprays."
The dermatologist added that the positioning of the hair product could make or break your hair routine.
Dr Adel said: "Now the technique, super important, concentrate on only the oily parts of your scalp and you want to use light, short sprays like this. Try to hold the bottle around 20cm from your roots because you just don't want to be too close."
She added: "Now, at this point, you need to be patient. Do not, I repeat, do not touch it. Let it sit for a few minutes so it can absorb the excess oil from your scalp and then you can go in with your fingers or a comb to evenly distribute it."
Dr Adel also suggests applying the product at night. This unconventional application method gives the dry shampoo more time to soak up any surplus oil, making it more effective at combatting shine.
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