Having cracked lips can be a painful and unpleasant experience, especially when it’s caused by prolonged sun exposure. The sun’s rays can be detrimental to the delicate skin on our lips, leading to dryness, peeling, and even bleeding.

Luckily, there are several DIY remedies that can help heal your cracked lips and restore their natural moisture. Read on to discover simple and effective ways to rejuvenate your lips and protect them from future sun damage.

1. Exfoliate with a Honey and Sugar Scrub

Exfoliating your lips is an essential step in removing dead skin cells and promoting the growth of healthy, new skin. To make a nourishing scrub, mix one teaspoon of honey with two teaspoons of sugar.

Gently rub this mixture on your lips in circular motions for a few minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. This will slough off the dry, flaky skin and leave your lips feeling soft and smooth.

2. Apply Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is known for its soothing and healing properties, making it an excellent remedy for cracked lips. Extract a small amount of fresh aloe vera gel from a leaf, and apply it directly to your lips.

Leave it on for about 15 minutes, then rinse off with cool water. The aloe vera will moisturize your lips and speed up the healing process, providing relief from sun damage.

3. Use Coconut Oil as a Natural Lip Balm

Coconut oil is a versatile ingredient renowned for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. Before going to bed, apply a thin layer of coconut oil on your lips as you would with a lip balm. Leave it overnight, and wake up to softer, revitalized lips.

The natural fats present in coconut oil will repair and hydrate your lips, repairing sun damage and protecting them from further harm.

4. Make a Cucumber and Yogurt Lip Mask

Cucumbers are known for their cooling and hydrating effects, while yogurt contains lactic acid, which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells. Blend half a cucumber and two tablespoons of plain yogurt until you have a smooth paste.

Apply this mask to your lips for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Your lips will feel refreshed, moisturized, and ready to tackle the sun’s rays.

5. Opt for a Lip Balm with Sunscreen

Protecting your lips from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial in preventing further damage and promoting healing. Invest in a lip balm that contains a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30.

Apply it generously throughout the day and reapply after eating or drinking. This will create a barrier between your lips and the sun, shielding them from UV radiation and allowing them to recover.

6. Stay Hydrated

The key to healthy lips is proper hydration. When your body is dehydrated, your lips are often the first to show symptoms. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day to keep your body and lips hydrated.

You can also increase your intake of water-rich foods, such as watermelon, cucumber, and oranges, to help replenish moisture from within.

7. Avoid Licking Your Lips

Licking your lips may provide temporary relief, but it actually worsens the condition in the long run. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips even drier than before.

The enzymes present in saliva can also irritate the delicate skin, leading to further cracking. Whenever you feel the urge to lick your lips, opt for a moisturizing lip balm instead.

8. Create a Protective Lip Barrier with Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is a simple yet effective way to create a protective barrier on your lips. Before stepping out into the sun, gently apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your lips.

This will lock in moisture and provide a barrier against the harsh sun, helping your lips heal faster and preventing further damage.

9. Use Rosewater as a Refreshing Lip Mist

Rosewater not only has a delightful fragrance but also offers soothing and revitalizing benefits for your lips. Fill a small spray bottle with pure rosewater and mist it over your lips whenever they feel dry or chapped.

You can also carry it with you throughout the day for a quick moisture boost. Rosewater will cool and hydrate your lips, giving them a rejuvenated feel.

10. Seek Shade and Wear Protective Lip Accessories

Prevention is always better than cure, so whenever possible, seek shade to avoid direct sun exposure. Additionally, wearing accessories like wide-brimmed hats or carrying an umbrella can protect your lips from the sun’s harmful rays.

By minimizing direct contact with sunlight, you can prevent your lips from becoming cracked and dry in the first place.