Winter is meant to be a festive and joyful season, but for many, the cold air and reduced humidity brings about a wave of dry skin problems. One of the most common symptoms is dry and cracked lips.
While this might seem like a minor issue, it can be quite frustrating and sometimes, even painful.
Why Do Lips Get Dry and Cracked In the Winter?
Our lips are covered in a very thin layer of skin, and unlike the rest of our skin, they don’t have oil or sweat glands to keep them moisturized.
This means that in the winter, when the dry air is at its peak, our lips can lose moisture quickly, leaving them chapped and sore. Other factors that can cause dry and cracked lips include:.
- The sun’s harsh rays
- Dehydration
- Licking your lips too often
- Smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke
- Allergic reactions to certain products
- Cold sores
- Vitamin deficiencies
How to Fix Dry Lips in The Winter
Dry and cracked lips don’t have to be a permanent winter feature, though. Below are some tips that can help you keep your lips looking and feeling better:.
1. Use a hydrating lip balm
A hydrating lip balm can go a long way in protecting your lips from the cold winter air and keeping them moisturized. Look for options that contain ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or coconut oil.
Avoid lip balms that contain fragrances or menthol, which can irritate already chapped lips.
2. Avoid licking your lips
Licking your lips may feel soothing at the time, but it’s doing more harm than good. Your saliva will only dry out your lips even more once it dries, so try your best to avoid doing it.
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3. Stay hydrated ?
Winters can be really dehydrating, and dehydration is one of the causes of dry lips. Drinking a good amount of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty can help reduce the dryness of your lips.
4. Use a humidifier
Humidifiers are a great way to add moisture to the air and prevent your lips from drying out. Try placing the humidifier in your bedroom—where you’ll spend most of your time— and see if that helps.
5. Wear a scarf
Scarves not only keep you warm in the winter, but they can also protect your lips from the harsh winter air.
6. Exfoliate your lips
If your lips are cracking, exfoliating them is a great way to get back on track. Use a soft toothbrush or a lip scrub to gently exfoliate the skin. This will remove dead skin cells that may be preventing your lips from getting the moisture they need.
7. Add moisture from within
While the tips above can help prevent your lips from getting dry in the first place, sometimes the damage is already done.
If your lips are already looking or feeling dry, you can try adding moisture from within by eating foods rich in vitamin E and drinking lots of water.
8. Use a lip mask
If you’re looking for a quick fix, consider using a lip mask. A lip mask is a mask that’s specifically designed to hydrate and moisturize your lips. There are many options available in the market, so choose one that works best for you.
Conclusion
Dry and cracked lips in the winter can be annoying and painful, but by taking care of your lips and following the tips mentioned above, you can help prevent it from happening in the first place. So, go ahead and pucker up, winter cant keep you down.
