Chapped, cracked and dry lips. It’s not a unique experience by any means. But, it is uncomfortable, especially when your lip splits. Not only that, but it’s also unattractive, particularly when kissing.
Cause and Effect
Water is crucial to maintaining a healthy appearance. Thus, a lack of proper hydration is the primary cause behind chapped lips. What’s more, allergies and smoking are second in line to blame. Still, there are certain medical conditions and simple breathing that can sometimes cause this unwanted condition. Ultimately, the effect is undesired. Subsequently, how can you soothe chapped, dry lips? Or, at least maintain healthy lips?
Preventing Dry Lips
According to the United States National Library of Medicine, one way to stop your lips from chapping is to “avoid excessive sun exposure.” (Italics ours.) Note that the sun in itself isn’t the culprit, rather, it’s how much time you spend outside unprotected from UV rays.
Moreover, “avoid going out in dry, cold weather without [applying] lip balm.” Why? Because of the lack of moisture in the air. Dry air attacks your lips like a flamethrower attacking a rose. That’s a unique analogy, but we know you get it.
To that end, “try to keep the air in your home humid.” Yes, humidity causes frizzy hair and can wreak havoc on other aspects of life. But, to clarify, humidity is water evaporate in the air. So, having little droplets of moisture caress your skin and lips is pretty awesome in our opinion.
Treating Chapped Lips
Continues the National Library of Medicine, one of the best ways to treat chapped lips in the winter is to “drink additional fluids.” Further, you can “apply beeswax or petrolatum” to ease the soreness. Simply put, it takes time to heal and soothe cracked lips.
Additional Treatments
1. Sugar
Because of its rough texture, sugar is a sweet exfoliant. Specifically, when applied to your lips in a scrub, it can get rid of dead cells. Lifting those dead skin cells off will make your lips smooth again. However, that’s only the first step. Afterward, you’ll need to maintain a healthy routine of hydration.
How Do You Make A Scrub?
Make a paste by combining sugar with honey, using a 1:2 ratio. For every 1 spoonful of sugar, add 2 spoons of honey. You can also substitute other ingredients if you’re vegan. For example, brown sugar, olive oil, or almond oil. Once your paste is well mixed and has some texture, apply it to your lips with your fingers. Give special gentle attention to the spots of harshness, but take care to avoid pressing on any splits in your lips. Then give it a moment to rest.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural remedy that is easily accessible. The beauty of this product is not in its smell. Rather, it’s what scientists are working hard to better understand: Coconut oil’s quick healing properties. Apply a few drops of pure coconut oil to your lips, just as you would any other balm, and watch as over a few days, your lips begin healing.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe has been in use for millennia to heal wounds and scars. It hasn’t changed. When you use aloe vera on your lips, you’re (1) hydrating them, and (2) easing any pain you have because of dry lips. But, be sure to note that while aloe has miraculous healing properties, it does not taste the best. You’ve been warned.
Have any other treatments that work for you? Share them with us on Instagram and Twitter!
The information provided herein has been reviewed for accuracy, but cannot be guaranteed to be free of infallalacy. A consultation with a doctor is always needed before receiving treatment of any cosmetic product.
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Published: 20180508
Revised: 20190805
