Why is White Film on Lips in The Morning?

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Do you wake up with a white, sticky film on your lips every morning? I’ve tried switching my toothpaste, using a mouthwash, and even applying lip balm every night but nothing seems to work. The formation of white stuff on the lips is a possible sign of infection.

So, you’re probably wondering, Why is White Film on Lips in The Morning?

Several factors may cause the white film to appear on your lips. It could be a result of dehydration or shedding of dead skin. It might also be a medical condition such as oral thrush or even an allergic reaction to the lip balm you’re using. 

If you’re struggling with white sticky lips every morning, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a guide for you that covers why the sticky film forms on the lips and how you can get rid of it. Let’s get started! 

What is the white sticky film on my lips in the morning?

According to a microbiologist, the white sticky film on the lips appears when dead skin cells mix with saliva. It’s a natural phenomenon. Just like the skin, the lips also shed dead skin in cycles. 

However, lips become dry and chapped more easily than the skin because of the absence of sweat glands to keep them hydrated. This means that the white film is a mixture of saliva and dried dead skin cells. 

Tip: Use a gentle lip exfoliator once a day. You can even make one by mixing sugar with edible oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. 

Why Is There White Film on Lips in The Morning? 

Why do my lips feel like there is a film on them every morning? I brush my teeth twice a day, wear lip balm, and even use a light mouthwash occasionally, but there’s a film on my lips in the morning. Let’s know the top reasons that matter. 

Top Reasons Why There is White film on My Lips

1. Oral Mucosa

According to Dr. Stacey Silvers, MD, Board-certified Otolaryngologist, the slimy substance is the oral mucosa which peels off as a newer layer is formed. 

She explains that the situation worsens when toothpaste or mouthwash remains in the mouth longer than necessary. 

2. Dehydration

When your body is dehydrated, it may cause thick, sticky saliva to accumulate around your mouth. 

Since your body is not getting enough water, your saliva tends to be thicker and stickier. Consequently, the white layer on your lips forms when the saliva touches the lips. 

3. Oral Thrush

Oral thrush may cause a sticky film to develop on your lips. Thrush is an infection that appears because of an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. 

Thrush appears in individuals suffering from conditions that compromise their immune systems. It commonly appears in older adults whose immune systems have failed or in children with developing immune systems. ~ Dr. Toney Reisman, MD, Otolaryngologist

4. The Use of Harsh Lip Balms

Not every lip product is right for your skin. The white film likely appears on your lips because of a lip product. 

The lip product might be formulated with an ingredient you might be allergic to. This might cause the lips to whiten, crack, or even dry out.

How to Get Rid of White Film on Lips? 5 Top Tips and Tricks

The white film on the lips is sticky and I must admit, very unpleasant and disgusting. But how do you get rid of it? Here are some tips and tricks you can try:

1. Use a Lip Scrub

Did you know that you can make your very own lip scrub with natural ingredients? Simply combine coarsely powdered sugar with olive oil or coconut oil. 

You can even add a flavor of your preference. I like to add a drop of vanilla to mine. Apply the mixture to your lips, then wipe off the residue. Top it off with a thin layer of lip balm to lock in the moisture. 

2. Avoid Excessive Lip Gloss/ Lipstick

Too much lipstick or lipgloss could explain why the thin film appears on your lips. You could try and reduce the amount of product you apply to your lips or eliminate them from your makeup routine altogether. 

3. Use a Tissue to Remove Excess Lipstick

The minute you apply lipstick, dab a tissue on the lip surface to gently remove the residue on your lips. This will prevent the white film from forming. 

4. Switch to a Different Lipstick/ Lip gloss Brand

You read that right. The makeup brand you’re currently using might be the reason behind the white film on your lips. 

Apply a given product and observe how your lips react to it. If the white film continues to form, you’ve found the culprit. 

Avoid the specific product for a couple of days. If the white residue disappears, then your lipstick brand is the problem! 

5. Stay Hydrated

Since dehydration is a possible cause of the white film on your lips, make sure you’re consuming enough liquids throughout the day. If you live in warmer climates, don’t forget to always keep a water bottle with you. 

How to Keep Your Lips From Getting White Residue With Lipstick?

The white residue forms on the lips either because you’re applying too much lipstick or because of excessive moisture on your lips. Licking your lips too often with lipstick on can increase the humidity and can cause residue to form. 

So, how do you prevent it? 

Use a lip brush to apply lipstick. This ensures you’re not applying a very thick layer. But if you end up applying too much lipstick, simply grab a tissue and blot it between your lips to remove the excess. 

FAQs

1. Why white film form between my inner and outer lip mainly when I use lipgloss or lipstick? 

The white substance forms between your inner and outer lip if your lips are dry or you’re dehydrated. It could also be because the lip product you’re using is expired. 

2. Is the white film on lips because of dehydration?

Yes, dehydration is a potential cause of the white film on the lips. This is because when the lips dry out, they shed dry skin cells. 

Plus, the saliva becomes thicker due to reduced water content. When the dead skin mixes with saliva, the white film forms on the lips. 

3. Why is there a white residue on lips after applying chapstick?

The white residue might form on your lips after applying chapstick due to an allergic reaction. 

Avoid using your chapstick for a few days. If the white film disappears, you must switch to a different chapstick brand. 

My Opinion

Just like other parts of your body, you must take care of your lips. They are one of the most important and noticeable parts of the body. 

I love using a lip scrub to keep the white residue at bay. Plus, it makes my lips look much softer and healthier. 

I hope I’ve cleared all your doubts regarding the white film on your lips. If you found this article useful, share it with someone who could benefit from this information!