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In these winter months my lips tend to split and start to bleed when playing.

I have heard two remedies for this: chap-stick and Vitamin E.

I want to try Chap Stick first of course, but are there certain brands that are preferred in the brass world? And when do you typically apply? Before playing, after, all the time?

I have found this helpful for me:

http://www.chopsaver.com/" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

Your mileage will vary.

Dave (in the Great American Desert)

Here's my stuff of choice. Haven't found anything that smells as good, the same consistancy and all natural in one package...

I only take precautions when damage has already begun, or would that be post-cautious? I use good ole Carmex out of a tube, it's greaszy and sticks to you but it's got menthol in it and that dulls the pain of a crack, that's why I use it.

I've read past posts about lip care products. There's lots of debate between petroleum vs. natural, camphor vs. non-camphor, brand x vs. brand y. Personally, I like using a light rub of Burt's Bees before going to bed. I'm a mouth breather, so my lips get dry often.

http://www.originaludderbalm.com/udderbalm/" target="_blank

Seriously!

I use whatever cheap stuff in a small tube that's on the Walgreen's shelf. Chapstick, or equivalent.

However, I once felt rather jauntily rich one day and bought a tube of Burt's Bees. Nice stuff, but pricey.

I use the stuff in the winter all the time - mornings, afternoons, and before bed. And especially before and after playing the horns.

Ok, I'm just one more post. But...

I was told, early on in my career, that "professional" brass players always use Blistex. 30 years later I have come to believe that. In those days it came in little foil tubes with a plain nozzle. Now, it's still in foil tubes (which means it shows up on the airport scanners), but it has a plastic applicator at the end. Either way, the stuff does what you need. It gets into your lips and keeps them moist. I don't use anything else.

At a cost of $7.00 a tube Dr.Dan's Cortibalm is by far the most expensive remedy you can try. But worth every penny of it. http://tinyurl.com/yd93z28" target="_blank
I had problems with my lips for the first 5 years after I began playing again.I have tried everything mentioned in the previous replys and then some. I finally went to see a dermatogist about it and he recommended I try AQUAPHOR first. It worked very well and I suggest you try that first. It does a great job of protecting your lips and holding in the moisture. AQUAPHOR however was not enough for me and I got the Cortibalm. It has done wonders for me. I have found that if I put it on as soon as I quite playing it helps my lips heal up much more quickly. Before I started using this I would have to wait at least 2 days after a rehersal before being able to play again. Now I can ususally play the next day without any problem.
It would certaintly be worth reading all the info on the Cortibalm website at the very least.

Pure Vitamin E gel capsules. Slit open, and squeeze the goo on your lips. Works like magic.

DCT

LJV wrote:Rancid bear grease.

Shouldn't that be rancid bAer grease?

LJV wrote:Rancid bear grease.

Where might one find a rancid bear? (and do they have zerk fittings?)

Rochester2013 wrote:In these winter months my lips tend to split and start to bleed when playing.

I have heard two remedies for this: chap-stick and Vitamin E.

I want to try Chap Stick first of course, but are there certain brands that are preferred in the brass world? And when do you typically apply? Before playing, after, all the time?

I use Carmex for the lips and Vitamin E for the area around my lips and that helps.

Carmex is addictive - the more you use, the more you need. Withdrawal is a problem.

Best preventative: H2O. Drink until full; Drink 'til you pee; then drink some more. Rinse. Repeat.

In Rachacha, apply Genny Cream as needed.

grease off of your forehead (seriously! and its free)

Aveeno Active Naturals Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner with SPF15 (also gets the award for the longest name)

and drink lots of water.
ken k

DCT.

Also, you might want to get a humidifier for your bedroom. If your house is dry from forced-air heating, your whole body (skin, lips, etc.) will be dryer and in a more fragile state.

See I told you! This is remarkable stuff. Stinks and tastes terrible, but it will get you through marching season!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100131/ap_ ... s_bag_balm" target="_blank

sloan wrote: In Rachacha, apply Genny Cream as needed.

Well played, doctor, well played.