New Delhi, Sept. 9 -- Lip oils have become a social media favourite as a solution for chapped lips, with frequent endorsements by beauty creators.

Dermatologists, however, believe that these oils, which promise high gloss and hydration, contain allergens that could cause irritation, pigmentation, and, in some cases, darkening of the lips. The risks are higher for Indians, whose melanin-rich skin makes them more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

"Melanin-rich skin is more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after irritation or allergy," says Dr Khushboo Jha, chief dermatologist consultant, Metro Hospital, and founder of One Skin Clinic, Faridabad. In other words, if your lip oil causes even mild redness, ...