Chapped lips commonly occur when your lips are dry, sore, or cracked. You can get chapped lips when the weather is really harsh as in bitterly cold or too hot or when you’re dehydrated. The rest of your skin has oil glands that produce natural oils, your lips, however, do not. This means your lips need extra care or they will dry out especially when the weather’s harsh. Your lips are also delicate and thin and more vulnerable to the elements. Here are some home remedies to soothe chapped lips.
Start with exfoliating
The skin can begin to lift and flake when your lips are dry and chapped. Start by gently exfoliating the dead skin cells in order to get to the new skin. Make a simple lip scrub with an exfoliating agent like sugar or sea salt mixed in with an emollient such as honey or oil. Gently rub your lips with the mixture, removing the dead skin then wipe it off. Beauty: 3 Simple Yet Heavenly DIY Lip Scrub Recipes
Next, moisturize
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1. Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly is great at locking in moisture. It, however, does not provide moisture. The best way to use it is to apply lip balm first to your lips and then lock in that moisture with a layer of petroleum jelly. Home, Health And Beauty Uses Of Petroleum Jelly
2. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is great for moisturizing and locking in moisture to prevent them from drying out. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which means it can help relieve any pain and discomfort accompanied by cracked lips. Coconut oil also has antibacterial properties that keep your lips germ-free and prevent you from getting an infection from open sores.
Applying coconut oil directly to your lips every night before going to bed is recommended in the cold winter months. Also, apply coconut oil to chapped lips throughout the day as needed.
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3. Honey
Honey has numerous properties that make it great for healing chapped lips. It is a humectant which means it pulls moisture from the air into your lips. Honey has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. It moisturizes your lips, protects them from infection because of any cracks, and works as an exfoliator removing dead, dry skin from your lips.
Apply organic honey to your lips. Alternatively, mix organic honey with petroleum jelly or glycerin, or natural fats before applying to the lips. Leave it on your lips for about 15 minutes then wash off with lukewarm water. You can also apply some honey to your lips and leave it overnight if you think you can manage it without ending up with a sticky mess the next day. Try to resist the urge to lick it off as this will only worsen your chapped lips.
4. Aloe Vera
This succulent plant produces a great moisturizing gel. The gel works by pulling moisture from the air to the surface of the skin. This helps to keep the lips hydrated and prevents them from drying out. Aloe Vera also contains molecules that help moisture bind to your skin keeping your lips hydrated. It is especially helpful for cracked lips because the molecules encourage the skin to generate new cells which help sores heal quickly. Aloe Vera stimulates the production of collagen and fibres thus helping the skin regain its elasticity and softness.
Cut the aloe vera leaf sideways and scoop the gel into an air-tight container. Apply the gel to your lips and leave it overnight. Store any remaining gel in the fridge.
Ways Of Preventing Chapped Lips
- Don’t lick your lips – Licking may seem like a good way to moisten your lips but it just causes them to dry out even more after saliva evaporates.
- Stay hydrated – drink lots of water. 7 Tricks For Keeping Yourself Hydrated Every Day
- Use a humidifier – if the air is really dry, invest in a humidifier for your home.
- Avoid lip products that contain irritants – such as products with fragrance, dyes, and alcohol in general. If you use a product and experience burning, stinging or tingling, that product has something that is irritating to your lips and you should discontinue use immediately.
- Protect your lips – use a moisturizing cream or lip balm to protect your lips from the elements.
- Breathe through your nose – avoid mouth breathing. It can cause a dry mouth and dry lips.
Check out: 5 lip care tips for softness and volume, and Skin & Beauty: How To Keep Your Lips Looking Luscious
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