How to get rid of chapped lips?

Although we usually associate chapped lips with cold weather, there are actually many reasons that lead to dryness or flaking.

In most cases, you can take care of your lips yourself at home by using lip balm and following some easy steps. [1], [2]

Chapped lips causes

Chapped lips are the result of dry and chapped skin, due to various factors [2], [3], [4], [5] :

• Sunburn
• Weather conditions (windy, cold or hot)
• Frequent licking of lips
• Health conditions (allergy, thyroid, autoimmune diseases)
• Vitamin deficiency (iron, vitamin B, vitamin C)
• Dehydration
• Treatment with retinoids or vitamin A
• Excessive salt consumption
• Pharmaceutical treatments

Symptoms

The symptoms you will notice are the following: [2]

• Chapped or dry lips
• Peeling
• Edema (swelling)
• Pain
• Sensitivity
• Blood
• Tingling in the lips

What should I put on chapped lips?

If you often feel that your lips are dry and chapped, there is a solution!

To help heal chapped lips, choose a lip balm with the following features: [1] , [2]

• No fragrance
• Hypoallergenic
• Moisturizing (Ceramides, lannonin, shea butter, vitamin E, beeswax) [4]
• Natural oils
• Sun protection

It is best to avoid the following ingredients, as they cause irritation to dry lips: [2]

• Aromas and flavors
• Menthol
• Eucalyptus
• Camphor

Physical treatment

Here are some easy tips to protect your lips from dryness [1]:

1. Drink lots of water

Chapped lips are always dry, so it’s important to moisturize our body from the inside out.

2. Do not bite, lick or touch your lips

When you feel dryness at your lips, you may think that with the moisture from saliva, you will hydrate them. In fact, licking dry lips makes them even drier.

Biting or touching your lips causes additional irritation and this can delay their healing.

3. Avoid touching metal objects with your lips

Hairpins, jewelry, and everyday metal objects should be avoided, as metal can further irritate the area.

4. Install a humidifier if you have a particularly dry atmosphere

A humidifier can help during the night so your lips feel more hydrated. Especially if you breathe through your mouth when you sleep.

When should I worry?

If you follow the above tips, you can cure dry and chapped lips in 2-3 weeks. If you see them cracked, even after three weeks, you should seek expert advice. [1]

Apart from dry weather, chapped lips can be caused by an allergic reaction, infection or cheilitis. Adults and children who have orthodontic braces are more prone to developing cheilitis. [3] A dermatologist has the ability to diagnose the exact cause so that he can give you the appropriate treatment and deal with the problem. [1]

How often should we apply lip balm?

During the day, experts suggest applying lip balm as often as our lips feel dry and dehydrated. Of course, we should always read the product instructions to make sure we don’t use them too often.

During the night (before sleeping), you can apply a thicker layer of the lip balm you use. This is very important, especially for people who sleep with their mouths open. [4]

Extra tips for lip care

Here are additional tips to prevent dry lips: [5]

1. Try different lip balms if one doesn’t suit you. There is the possibility that you have a sensitivity to certain perfumes or cosmetic ingredients.
2. Wash your hands before applying balm.
3. Use a lip balm with SPF15 or higher at least every 2 hours when outdoors.
4. When exposed to cold weather, cover your lips with a scarf.
5. Drink plenty of water daily to avoid dehydration.

Conclusion

Our lips are a very sensitive area, which often does not receive the care and hydration it needs. This results in dry and chapped lips, especially if exposed to cold weather.

The solution is most often very simple, as with a lip balm we can immediately give the lips the hydration and elasticity they need. Find the one that suits you and your lips will be soft and hydrated again.