Dry and chapped lips can be uncomfortable and unsightly, often resulting from a combination of environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and dehydration.
Wondering how to prevent dry and chapped lips, and if they occur, how to heal them? Here are some comprehensive strategies for both preventing and healing this common issue.
Prevention Tips
- Stay Hydrated – Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day, as hydration is key to maintaining moisture in your skin, including your lips.
- Use Lip Balm Regularly – Incorporate a high-quality lip balm into your skincare routine. Make sure it contains emollients, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, or natural oils (like coconut oil or jojoba oil). Additionally, look for products with SPF to protect your skin against sun damage.
- Avoid Licking Your Lips – Although it may provide temporary relief, saliva can lead to further dryness as it evaporates. So, consider applying lip balm when you feel the urge to lick your lips.
- Choose Gentle Products – It’s recommended to be cautious with flavoured or scented lip products, as they can irritate sensitive skin. Include the best lip mask or other products with fragrance-free formulations specifically designed to soothe and protect your skin, including lips, in your routine.
- Humidify Your Environment – Invest in an efficient humidifier to enhance the air quality in your home, especially during the dry winter months. In addition to maintaining moisture in the air, this can help prevent your lips from drying out.
- Nourish from Within – Incorporate foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as Omega fatty acids, into your diet. These nutrients support skin health and can help keep your lips supple and moisturised.
Healing Tips
- Exfoliate Gently – Once a week, gently exfoliate your lips with a soft toothbrush or a homemade sugar scrub to remove dead skin cells. This can help improve the appearance of dry, flaky lips.
- Apply Healing Ointments – If you experience severe chapping, it’s time to use thicker ointments, such as petroleum jelly or medicated balms. They must contain soothing ingredients, like lanolin or aloe vera, to help lock in moisture and heal cracked skin.
- DIY Lip Masks – Using honey and olive oil, you should create a simple lip mask to gain intense hydration. The best approach is to apply this mixture to your lips and leave it on for about 15 minutes before gently wiping it away.
- Avoid Harsh Weather – To protect your lips from extreme temperatures, cover them with a scarf in cold weather. Moreover, it’s essential to avoid excessive sun exposure during the summer months.
- Consult a Professional – Even after following all these tips, your lips remain persistently chapped, it’s wise to consult a dermatologist. Persistent chapping could be a sign of an underlying condition or allergy. They will treat you and guide you on what to avoid and what habits to adopt for keeping your lips healthy and refreshed.
Final Note
Prevention is key, but if your lips get dry and chapped, incorporating the above healing strategies into your routine will do wonders. Ultimately, you can effectively care for your lips and keep them healthy, soft, and fully hydrated.