Chapped lips can be a pesky problem that we all face at one point in our lives. Whether it’s due to cold weather, dehydration, or excessive licking, the uncomfortable sensation of dry, flaky lips can be a real nuisance.
Luckily, there are plenty of solutions to help you banish chapped lips and achieve a smoother, more hydrated pout. Read on to discover our top tips for treating chapped lips!.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of chapped lips. When your body is lacking in fluids, your lips can quickly become dry and cracked.
To combat this, it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and lips hydrated. Aim for at least eight glasses a day, and consider carrying a water bottle with you to stay hydrated on the go.
2. Exfoliate Your Lips
Exfoliating your lips can help to remove dead skin cells and promote smoother, healthier lips. You can use a lip scrub specifically designed for this purpose, or make your own by mixing honey and sugar to create a gentle exfoliating paste.
Simply apply the scrub to your lips, massage gently, and rinse with warm water for soft and smooth lips.
3. Use a Lip Balm with SPF
UV rays from the sun can dry out your lips, so it’s important to protect them with a lip balm that contains SPF. Look for a moisturizing balm with at least SPF 15, and reapply as needed throughout the day.
This will not only help to prevent chapped lips, but also protect them from sun damage.
4. Avoid Licking Your Lips
Although it might seem like a quick fix, licking your lips can actually make chapped lips worse. When saliva evaporates from your lips, it can leave them even drier than before.
Instead, reach for a lip balm or drink some water to keep your lips hydrated.
5. Use a Humidifier
Dry air can be a major culprit in causing chapped lips, especially during the winter months. To combat this, consider using a humidifier in your home or office to add moisture to the air.
This can help to keep your lips and skin hydrated, and prevent chapped lips from occurring in the first place.
6. Avoid Matte Lipsticks
If you’re a fan of bold, matte lipsticks, you might want to reconsider. Matte lipsticks can be incredibly drying to your lips, making chapped lips even worse.
Instead, opt for a hydrating lipstick or lip gloss to keep your lips moisturized and looking great.
7. Treat Your Lips Overnight
For extra hydration, try applying a thick layer of lip balm or petroleum jelly to your lips before bed. This will help to lock in moisture and prevent your lips from drying out overnight.
You can even try sleeping with a humidifier running in your bedroom for even more hydration.
8. Consider a Prescription Treatment
If your chapped lips are particularly severe, you might want to consider a prescription treatment from your doctor. Certain medications like hydrocortisone or prescription strength balms can help to treat more stubborn cases of chapped lips.
9. Don’t Forget to Stay Nourished
Your diet can also play a role in the health of your lips. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables to provide your body with the vitamins and nutrients it needs.
Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, can also help to hydrate dry skin, including your lips.
10. Be Gentle with Your Lips
Finally, it’s important to be gentle with your lips to avoid further irritation. Avoid picking or biting at your lips, and be careful when applying makeup or other products.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently exfoliate your lips before brushing your teeth, and don’t rub your lips too hard with a towel when drying your face.