How To Get Rid of Chapped Lips: Useful Tips and Tricks
Chapped, dry lips can be incredibly uncomfortable, not to mention embarrassing and unsightly. While you can do a few things to alleviate chapped lips on your own, it’s usually best to consult a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. That being said, there are some things you can do to relieve chapped lips and some products you can use to ensure your lips stay hydrated and healthy.
In this post, we’ll share our top tips and tricks for getting rid of chapped lips and keeping them healthy. We’ve covered you, from the best lip balms to the most effective home remedies.
Causes of Chapped Lips
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of chapped lips. If your body doesn’t have enough water, it will draw moisture from other parts of your body, such as your lips. Extreme temperatures, dry air, and intense sunlight contribute to chapped lips. Allergies can cause chapped lips because they can irritate the delicate skin on the lips.
Natural Home Remedies
Honey is a natural antibacterial and antifungal remedy to help soothe and protect chapped lips from further damage. Simply apply honey to your lips and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water.
Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer that can help nourish and hydrate chapped lips. It is also known to provide a protective barrier against the elements that may be causing your lips to become chapped in the first place. Simply apply a small amount onto your fingertips, massage it into your lips, and leave it on overnight. This should help relieve any discomfort associated with chapped lips!
The soothing qualities of aloe vera make it an ideal remedy for treating chapped lips. You can apply aloe vera gel directly to your lips or mix it with a few drops of olive oil or honey for an extra hydrating effect.
Proper Lip Care
Petroleum jelly provides an effective barrier against the elements that may be causing irritation or dryness on your lips, and it’s also an excellent moisturizer! Apply petroleum jelly liberally throughout the day and before bedtime for optimal results.
Many lip products, like lip stains, lip balms, etc., contain alcohol as an active ingredient. This can exacerbate chapping, making them even more vulnerable to dehydration and irritation. Always check the ingredients of your lip products.
Smoking has been linked to various skin conditions, including premature skin aging and chapping of the lips. If you smoke, quitting could provide relief from chronic chapping problems.
Diet and Hydration
Along with proper lip care habits, fueling your body with healthy foods and increasing water consumption. Consuming you drink plenty of water throughout the day is essential in preventing dehydration, leading to dryness and chapping. Aim for at least eight glasses per day.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that help protect against inflammation which can lead to dryness and irritation in your skin. Foods such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds are high in these beneficial fatty acids.
Caffeine is a diuretic that can lead to dehydration. If you’re prone to experiencing dry skin or chapping around your mouth area, try reducing your caffeine intake as much as possible!
Another good lifestyle habit to include in your lip and skincare routine is to wear sunscreen. Even your lips apply. It’s important to protect the sensitive skin around your mouth from harmful UV rays, which can lead to chapping.
It’s human nature to want to lick our frozen or painfully dry lips, but this habit makes matters worse. The same goes for rubbing. Rubbing or scrubbing at your lips should be avoided as this further aggravates the delicate skin around them. Instead, opt for gentle exfoliation using a soft cloth or brush and follow with a good moisturizer after.
Conclusion
Chapped lips can be a painful and uncomfortable experience, but they don’t have to be. With the proper natural remedies and lifestyle habits, you can keep your lips healthy and hydrated and avoid unnecessary chapping symptoms. Remember to drink enough water, wear sunscreen, avoid licking your lips, and nourish your skin with omega-3 fatty acids. Try some tips outlined above, and you’ll be on your way to soft, smooth lips.