Winter can be harsh on the skin, particularly on the lips. The cold, dry air can cause the lips to dry out and become chapped, cracked, and painful.

However, with the right care, you can prevent and soothe chapped lips and keep them smooth and soft throughout the winter season. Here are nine tips for winter lip care:.

1. Hydrate

One of the most important things you can do for your lips during the winter is to stay hydrated. When your body is dehydrated, your lips are often the first to show it.

Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and lips hydrated.

2. Avoid Licking Your Lips

Licking your lips may provide temporary relief, but it can actually worsen chapped lips. Your saliva contains enzymes that can irritate and dry out your lips, leaving them even more chapped and sore.

If you feel like you need to moisturize your lips, use lip balm instead.

3. Use a Lip Balm

A good lip balm is an essential tool for winter lip care.

Look for a lip balm that contains moisturizing ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil, and avoid lip balms that contain fragrances or harsh chemicals that can further irritate your lips.

4. Apply Lip Balm Before Bed

Your lips lose moisture while you sleep, so applying a thick layer of lip balm before bed can help keep them moisturized throughout the night. Look for a lip balm that contains hyaluronic acid, which has been shown to help retain moisture in the skin.

5. Exfoliate

Exfoliating your lips can help remove dead skin cells and promote the growth of new, healthy skin. You can use a lip scrub or make your own by mixing sugar and honey.

Gently massage the scrub onto your lips in circular motions, then rinse with warm water and apply lip balm.

6. Wear a Scarf

Wearing a scarf can not only keep you warm, but it can also protect your lips from the cold, dry air. The skin around your lips is delicate and can be easily irritated, so covering it with a scarf can help prevent chapping and cracking.

7. Avoid Matte Lipsticks

Matte lipsticks can be drying and can make chapped lips worse. If you want to wear lipstick, choose a moisturizing formula that contains ingredients like shea butter or vitamin E.

8. Use a Humidifier

Dry indoor air can be just as damaging to your lips as cold outdoor air. Using a humidifier in your home can help add moisture to the air, which can prevent your lips from drying out.

9. Avoid Harsh Products

Harsh skin care products can strip the natural oils from your lips, leaving them dry and chapped. Avoid products that contain alcohol, menthol, or salicylic acid, as these can be drying and irritating to the skin.

Conclusion

Winter can be tough on your lips, but with the right care, you can keep them soft and smooth all season long. Hydrate, use a lip balm, exfoliate, wear a scarf, and avoid harsh products and matte lipsticks.

Apply lip balm before bed and use a humidifier to keep dry indoor air from damaging your lips. By following these tips, you can soothe chapped lips and keep them healthy all winter long.