Chapped lips are a common and irritating problem.
We often think of chapped lips as something that only happens in the winter. The truth is, unless you take special care, your lips can get dry, sore, and scaly any time of year.
In mild cases, the skin on the lips may be able to repair itself. However, in cases of significant irritation, the lips may need outside help to repair a damaged skin barrier.
But with some simple tips and steps you could banish those chapped lips for good
Use lip balm
A good balm can buffer your delicate lip skin from the elements. Choose one high in emollients. Check the ingredient list for petrolatum, which locks in moisture and seals off cracks and splits in drying lips.
Apply early and often
Whatever type of product you choose, apply it before you put on lipstick or lip gloss, NOT AFTER. To keep your lips protected, reapply frequently. You need about six to eight coats during the day, so apply first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and every couple of hours during the day. To make this easier, keep some in your handbag, one in the car, a third your desk, and another on your bedside table.
Protect your lips outside
You cover your hands and feet when the temperature drops so you should do the same for your lips! Wear a scarf that covers your mouth when you go out in the cold. For extra protection you should use a balm with SPF all year round.
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Drink up
Drinking more water has endless benefits for your entire body. One of those is to fight the dehydration that leads to chapped lips. Aim to drink around 2 litres a day.
Don’t lick your lips
It’s a habit we are all guilty of, but running your tongue over your lips is the worst thing you can do for them. As your saliva dries, it takes more moisture from your skin. Reach for your lip balm instead.
Don’t exfoliate
It can cause further damage to chapped lips. Instead, apply plenty of balm or ointment and turn on the humidifier.
Listen to your lips
Some treatments can do more harm than good. Ingredients like eucalyptus, menthol, and camphor can dry or irritate your lips. Stay away from them, especially if you have dry skin.
If you’re allergic to plant-based oils and moisturizers like beeswax, shea butter, castor seed, and soybean oil, switch to a petroleum jelly-based product.
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