Biotin (vitamin B7) helps maintain the integrity of the lips by fostering the repair of dry, chapped areas and strengthening the skin's barrier to prevent moisture loss. It is an essential nutrient for overall healthy skin and mucous membranes.
Biotin: Often referred to as vitamin B7, it is essential for maintaining the integrity of the skin, hair, and nails, and its benefits extend significantly to lip care. By fostering the repair of dry, chapped areas, Biotin for dry lips helps to maintain a smooth and healthy lip surface.
But the biggest drawback? High levels of biotin can interfere with the accuracy of certain common lab tests. Meaning, if you take a supplement with biotin and then get bloodwork and other lab tests to rule out, say, a thyroid condition (or a host of other tests), the results may not be accurate.
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that protects the lips from environmental damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules generated by exposure to UV rays, pollution, and other environmental stressors. They can damage skin cells, leading to premature ageing, dryness, and irritation.
One B vitamin that can help your teeth and gums is biotin. You can find this in foods like eggs, peanuts, mushrooms, salmon, avocados, and more. Biotin helps your mouth cells grow normally, which can prevent gum issues in the future. It can even help reverse the damage that's already been done to your gums.
Research suggests that taking biotin supplements, even in high doses, has very little risk. Because biotin is water-soluble, your body flushes out any amount it doesn't need through your urine. But if you take too much, it could interact with other medicines you take or produce incorrect results on lab tests.
Biotène® Oral Rinse is part of a daily oral care regimen and is indicated for use at 15 mL for thirty seconds for up to 2-3 times per day, on the instruction of your healthcare professional, and is intended to be expectorated (spat out).
When looking for products to use on your chapped lips, dermatologists recommend ones that contain one or more of the following:
Essential/Vitamin E Oil
You can take a capsule of Vitamin E [2] and break it open. Apply it directly onto your lips to make them soft and pink. It is a proven aid in regenerating skin cells, boosting circulation and preventing fine lines. When you choose your lip balm, make sure they have essential oils as ingredients.
Dry, chapped lips can signal deficiencies in essential nutrients, particularly B vitamins (like B2, B3, B6, B12), iron, and zinc, but also sometimes omega-3s or vitamin D, often alongside other factors like dehydration, sun exposure, allergies, or medications. Addressing this involves dietary changes to boost these nutrients and using lip balms, but persistent issues warrant a doctor visit to rule out underlying conditions.
What are the possible side effects of biotin? Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Clinical manifestations are often nonspecific and can include hair loss, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and neurological symptoms such as depression, lethargy, and paresthesia. Biotin supplementation is commonly marketed for hair and nail health.
Biotin supplementation requires patience, as noticeable improvements in hair, skin, and nails typically take 3-6 months. For best results, biotin should be part of a broader strategy that includes addressing other nutrient deficiencies, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing underlying health conditions.
Biotin is necessary for formation of fatty acids and glucose, which are used as fuels by the body. It is also important for the metabolism of amino acids and carbohydrates. A lack of biotin is rare. However, if it occurs it may lead to skin rash, loss of hair, high blood levels of cholesterol, and heart problems.
Specific vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, zinc, and iron, are essential in keeping your skin (and lips) healthy. When you don't get enough of these nutrients, you can often read the signs on your lips because the skin is much thinner than other parts of your body and face.
Collagen is the Key to Plump, Youthful-Looking Lips
Collagen is a protein that the body naturally produces to cushion the joints and give the skin structure, shape, and elasticity. The more collagen you have, the fuller, stronger, and less wrinkly your skin will be—including your lips.
Mix 1 teaspoon of organic honey with 1 teaspoon of fine brown sugar. Gently scrub your lips in circular motions for 2-3 minutes. Leave it on for a few more minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Follow with a nourishing lip balm.
B vitamins, particularly B12 and Biotin (B7), are vital for the formation of new cells, making them indispensable for healthy lips. These vitamins aid in the metabolism of cells and the repair of damaged lip tissue, ensuring that your lips can recover quickly from dryness and cracking.
NEOSPORIN® LIP HEALTH Overnight Renewal Therapy® is clinically proven to restore visibly healthier lips in 3 days. This overnight treatment for dry and chapped lips is formulated with white petrolatum and essential lipids that deeply hydrate and nourish your lips while you sleep.
Longer term chapped lips could also be a sign of: A form of cheilitis that's caused by infection (your doctor may recommend a biopsy or sample) Angular cheilitis, which is connected to some autoimmune disorders (your doctor may do a blood test) An allergic reaction (allergy testing may help)
Management and Treatment
Serious side effects of Biotene
Dentists often don't recommend routine mouthwash because it can disrupt beneficial oral bacteria, cause dry mouth (especially alcohol-based types), mask underlying issues like bad breath, and potentially lead to tooth staining or taste changes, with brushing and flossing remaining the core of good oral hygiene, though prescribed rinses can be useful for specific, short-term conditions.
Commonly used over-the-counter products include Xyli-Melt and Salese lozenges and Biotene dry mouth products (gel, spray, toothpaste). Snacking on carrots or celery may also help. Products that contain xylitol can help reduce the risk of dental decay (e.g. Numoisyn and Salese lozenges, Biotene gum, diabetic candies).