Dry and chapped lips can sometimes be uncomfortable…
Photo via SLMD Skincare
The skin on the lips is thinner and more delicate than that on other parts of the body. The lips are also exposed to elements like the sun and cold, dry air, making them prone to dryness, cracking, flaking and peeling.
According to Medical News Today, the lips lack oil glands and so cannot produce their own moisture.
Here are a few simple ways that can help soothe chapped lips:
#1 Use a lip balm
Photo via Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials
Some lip balms are better than others, and some popular brands may actually contain ingredients that dry the lips out.
For example, many lip balms contain menthol or other mint flavoring, though it provides a cooling sensation, it can be very drying and can leave the lips more chapped than before. Instead, look for lip balms that contain soothing and moisturizing ingredients like beeswax, petroleum, ceramide or lanolin!
#2 Exfoliate
Photo via Simply Better Living
There are also several effective natural remedies for chapped lips. You might even have some of these in your kitchen!
Aloe vera, coconut oil and honey all have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help prevent infection while moisturizing and soothing the skin on the lips.
#3 Drink water!
Photo via Ecobud
Keeping yourself hydrated is important for your overall health.
People may not even notice when they are slightly dehydrated so it’s always good to make a habit of drinking water regularly throughout the day.
When the body is dehydrated, it pulls water from certain areas of the body to ensure that the cells are hydrated, which can cause dryness in the skin, including your lips.
#4 Avoid smoking
Photo via Vaping Daily
Did you know that tobacco smoke can irritate sensitive skin around the lips, causing them to dry out and become more likely to crack?
Not only that, smoking can also cause other problems in the mouth, such as mouth ulcers and gum pain.
Hope this helps... However, if you have tried many tricks for your lips without success, you might want to contact your doctor to discuss potential underlying causes and other treatment options.
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
