7 Ways to Heal and Prevent Dry, Chapped Lips
Even though fall is here, and winter is around the corner, you can have supple lips year-round by following these seven tips to heal and prevent dry, chapped lips.
Use a moisturizing lip balm or lipstick that does not irritate your lips.
When you apply a product to your lips that burns, stings, or tingles, it is a sign that you are irritating your lips, rather than the common misconception that the active ingredients are at work. Dermatologists recommend either using or avoiding the following ingredients if you have chapped lips:
Use: Castor Seed Oil, Ceramides, Dimethicone, Hemp Seed Oil, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Shea Butter, Sun-Protective Ingredients such as Titanium Oxide or Zinc Oxide, White Petroleum Jelly, Hypoallergenic Products
Avoid: Camphor, Eucalyptus, Flavoring, Fragrance, Lanolin, Menthol, Octinoxate or Oxybenzone, Phenol (or Phenyl), Propyl Gallate, Salicylic Acid
Use a lip balm or moisturizer several times each day and before bed.
In the case of severely dry or cracked lips, opt for a thicker ointment such as white petroleum jelly, because they seal in water longer than waxes and oils.
Protect your lips from the sun using a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher and titanium or zinc oxide.
Surprisingly, the sun can have a greater effect on chapped lips during the winter and even cause cold sores. Be sure to apply the lip balm every two hours while outside.
Drink enough water.
Chapped lips signify dehydration, so staying hydrated will help combat the dryness.
Do not lick, pick at, or bite your lips.
Although tempting, this can worsen your problem because your lips become dry as the saliva evaporates. Instead, when you find you are licking your lips, apply lip balm instead.
Do not use your lips to hold items made of metal.
Common everyday items made of metal, such as jewelry and paperclips, can irritate sensitive lips.
Use a humidifier at home.
A humidifier will allow the air to hold moisture and thereby preventing your lips from becoming chapped. This is especially important if you breathe through your mouth at night.
You should notice improvement in your dry, chapped lips within 2-3 weeks after starting to follow these tips. Be sure to continue applying lip balm consistently when your indoor or outdoor environment is dry.
If you’re not finding improvements after 2-3 weeks of consistency or your conditions worsen, please reach out to us at (828) 253-2533 for further examination as it could be related to another condition.
