Chapped lips can be painful and unsightly. You might be a total chapstick addict like me, but it’s not always enough to keep the dryness away, especially in the winter season or in dry climates. Many factors can cause dry lips, but thankfully, there are even more ways to treat them. Here’s what you need to know about getting that perfect pout.
Why So Dry?
- The most common cause of chapped lips is dry air absorbing the moisture from your skin.
- Overexposure to the sun (even in winter) can cause dry lips and sunburns (yes, your lips can be sunburned).
- If you’re not drinking enough water, dehydration can cause your lips to become dry and cracked.
- Your diet also has a role to play; vitamin A, B, and C deficiencies make it difficult for lips to stay soft.
The Cure
Not to worry—chapped lips aren’t a life sentence. Gentle exfoliation and hydration can restore your lips to kissable softness.
- Wet a washcloth with warm water and hold it to your lips for a minute.
- Gently begin to rub the cloth across your lips. This rubs off the dead and dry skin (yuck, we know).
- Finish and apply lip balm, preferably with SPF.
Recipe For A Perfect Pout
Not even your favorite MAC lipstick can save you from scaly lips, but this DIY honey recipe will. This scrub is made from ingredients you definitely have on hand and works like magic to restore your lips.
- Mix 2 tbsp honey (or olive oil if allergic) with 1 tsp of brown sugar. Add less sugar for less exfoliation, and more sugar for stronger exfoliation. (Just don’t go too strong!)
- Spread the mixture on your lips and gently scrub. Make sure to get the edges of your lips too.
- Wash the salve off with warm water and apply a lip balm.
More Tips To Help Keep Your Lips Soft
- Drink water! Not only will this keep your lips moist, but it’ll also hydrate your whole body (if your lips are chapped, your skin is likely dehydrated as well).
- Avoid licking your lips; when the saliva evaporates, it leaves your lips even drier than before.
- Choose a lip balm with adequate SPF protection.
- Cracks at the corner of your mouth can indicate a riboflavin deficiency. Eat more tomatoes, beans, and mushrooms to increase your vitamin B intake.
- Aloe vera heals and prevents lips from cracking.
- Cucumber slices can help heal and cool chapped lips.
- Ensure your diet isn’t lacking in vitamin A, which is vital for skin growth and repair. Eat your carrots!