Cracked lips can be painful and unsightly, but there are many remedies and preventative measures that can be taken to keep them soft and smooth all year-round.

What Causes Cracked Lips?

Cracked lips are often caused by environmental factors such as dry air, wind, and cold temperatures. Both indoor and outdoor heating systems can also contribute to dryness, which can lead to chapped or cracked lips.

Additionally, licking your lips too often can make them even drier and more susceptible to cracking.

Preventing Cracked Lips

Preventing cracked lips starts with keeping them moisturized. This can be done by drinking plenty of water, using a humidifier in your home, and applying a good quality lip balm several times a day.

Look for lip balms that contain natural ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil. Avoid lip balms that contain ingredients like camphor and menthol, as these can actually dry out your lips over time.

In addition to keeping your lips moisturized, it’s important to protect them from the elements. In cold weather, wear a scarf or face mask to cover your lips and protect them from windburn.

In hot weather, wear a lip balm that contains sunscreen to protect your lips from the damaging effects of the sun.

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Treatments for Cracked Lips

If your lips are already cracked, there are several treatments that can help heal them faster. One of the simplest remedies is to apply a mixture of honey and Vaseline to your lips several times a day.

The honey helps to fight off infection and soothe the skin, while the Vaseline helps to seal in moisture.

Another effective treatment is to apply a warm, damp towel to your lips for a few minutes. This helps to soften the skin and promote healing. Afterward, apply a moisturizing lip balm to keep your lips hydrated.

In some cases, more intensive treatments may be necessary to heal severely cracked lips. For example, if your lips are bleeding or oozing pus, you may have an infection that requires medical attention.

Similarly, if your lips are extremely swollen or painful, you may need to see a doctor to rule out more serious conditions such as oral herpes or eczema.

Conclusion

Cracked lips can be a painful and frustrating problem, but there are many remedies and preventative measures that can help keep your lips soft and smooth all year-round.

By taking care of your lips with regular moisturizing and protection from the elements, you can prevent and treat cracked lips before they become a bigger problem.