Winter can be a beautiful time of the year with snowflakes, hot cocoa, and cozy fires. However, the cold weather and dry air during this season can wreak havoc on your lips, causing them to become dry and chapped.

Here are some tips to help you keep your lips soft, smooth, and healthy during the winter months.

1. Use a Lip Balm with Sunscreen

Sunscreen is not just for summer. The sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate through clouds and cause damage to your skin and lips, even in the winter.

So, it’s essential to use a lip balm with sunscreen to protect your lips from sunburn and other environmental factors. Choose a lip balm with at least SPF 15.

2. Hydrate from Within

Keeping your body hydrated is important for overall health, and it also helps keep your lips moisturized during the winter. Drink plenty of water and fluids to keep your body hydrated.

Avoid drinking too much caffeine, alcohol, or sugary drinks as they can dehydrate your body and lips.

3. Don’t Lick Your Lips

When your lips are dry, it can be tempting to lick them to moisten them. However, licking your lips can make them even drier.

Your saliva contains enzymes that break down the skin’s natural oils, causing your lips to become even more dry and chapped.

4. Avoid Fragranced Lip Products

Many lip balms, lipsticks, and glosses contain fragrances and other ingredients that can irritate your lips, causing them to become dry and chapped. Choose fragrance-free or unscented lip products to avoid irritating your lips.

5. Exfoliate Your Lips

Exfoliating your lips can help remove dead skin cells and promote new cell growth, leaving your lips soft and smooth. Use a lip scrub or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently exfoliate your lips once or twice a week.

Avoid over-exfoliating, which can lead to further dryness and irritation.

6. Keep Your Lips Covered

When going outside in the cold, cover your lips with a scarf, a balaclava, or a face mask. This will protect your lips from the cold, dry air and prevent them from becoming dry and chapped.

7. Moisturize Your Lips

Applying a lip balm or lip conditioner regularly can help keep your lips moisturized and soft. Choose a lip balm that contains nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, or jojoba oil.

Apply it several times a day, especially before going outside or going to bed at night.

8. Use a Humidifier

The dry air in your home can also contribute to dry, chapped lips. Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air and prevent your lips from becoming dry.

Place a humidifier in your bedroom or living room and run it regularly, especially at night when you sleep.

9. Treat Your Lips at Night

Before going to bed, apply a generous amount of lip balm or a lip mask. This will give the product plenty of time to absorb into your lips and work its magic overnight.

You can also use a lip treatment oil that will help nourish your lips while you sleep.

10. Consult a Doctor if Necessary

If your lips are extremely dry, cracked, or bleeding, it may indicate an underlying condition. Consult a doctor or a dermatologist if your lips do not improve with home remedies or if you experience severe pain, swelling, or infection.

By following these tips, you can keep your lips healthy and soft during the cold winter months. Stay hydrated, protect your lips from the sun and cold air, and use nourishing lip products to keep your lips smooth and supple.