Chapped lips hurt! The colder the weather and the dryer the air, the worse they get: Lips crack, peel, and even bleed. It seems like there’s no relief other than constantly applying lip balm a million times a day. But good news: Other chapped lip remedies work just as well as – if not better than – your traditional Chapstick. Read on to learn more.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has many anti-inflammatory and healing properties, making it the perfect remedy for chapped lips. Try an OTC organic aloe vera gel from your local pharmacy or grocery store. Alternatively, you can purchase an aloe vera plant and extract the gel yourself. Once scooped, store the gel in a container and apply it to your lips two to three times a day. Throw it away and start over if it discolors or starts to have a pungent odor.
Honey
Raw, local honey can soothe a sore throat, but did you know it can also treat chapped lips? Honey is a natural humectant, which means it pulls moisture from the air into your lips. Its healing and antibacterial properties can also protect against infections related to sores and cracks. Simply place a thin layer of honey on your lips with a Q-tip or clean fingers, leave it on for a half-hour, then wash it off.
Green Tea
Green tea is full of antioxidants and polyphenols, which naturally reduce inflammation. To remove excess dry skin, simply soak a tea bag in warm water, let it cool, and gently rub it over your lips!
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly may be thick and oily, but it works like a charm, sealing water in longer than any other oil or wax. Apply a thin layer to your lips before you go to bed, and you’ll be good to go when you wake up in the morning.
Use a Humidifier
Chapped lips haunt can haunt you while you’re sleeping; that’s why you need to lather on lip balm when you wake up. If you don’t, sipping your morning cup of coffee can really burn. To avoid this problem altogether, plug in a humidifier while you sleep. The added moisture in the air will prevent your lips from drying out, aiding in their healing process.