Chapped lips can occur at any time, but they are most likely to occur during the cold winter months. Chapped lips in the winter are usually caused by a combination of dry air and cold temperatures. Low humidity levels can draw moisture out of the lips, leading to cracking, soreness, and irritation. Cold winds can further exacerbate this problem by depleting the natural oils in the skin and dehydrating the cells.
Sun exposure, hot showers, and lip licking are also common causes of chapped lips during wintertime, as they all reduce your lips’ natural barrier against external elements. Keeping your body properly hydrated is one of the best ways to prevent chapped lips in cold climates – make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day!
Natural Remedies for Chapped Lips
But you may need a little more help than just proper hydration. Having flaky, chapped lips during the cold winter months can be incredibly uncomfortable and irritating. It’s important to take steps to properly nourish your lips and keep them hydrated, especially in colder climates. Here are three home remedies to fight flaky, chapped lips:
1. Coconut Oil
Applying coconut oil on the lips provides a layer of protection from the elements, helps soothe inflammation and locks in moisture. Simply apply one or two drops of organic coconut oil on your fingers, then rub it onto your lips for instant relief.
2. Honey
Honey is an amazing skincare ingredient that can be used for a variety of purposes. Not only does it act as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and preventing dehydration, but it also has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. Additionally, honey has been known to soothe minor wounds, making it an ideal natural healer for chapped lips.
To use this home remedy on your lips, simply apply some honey directly to your lips, using your finger, or a cotton swab. You can apply it under your lipstick, or by itself. You can also leave it on overnight.
3. Aloe Vera
Known for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, aloe vera is an ideal solution for chapped lips thanks to its ability to heal damaged skin cells quickly.
Simply cut an aloe leaf open lengthwise and scrape out the gel using a spoon or knife; you can also buy pure aloe vera gel from health food stores or online shops if you don’t have access to fresh leaves! Massage the gel onto your lips until fully absorbed – this should be done twice daily for best results.
4. Olive oil
Olive oil is another beneficial option, as it contains antioxidants and is deeply nourishing. You can either apply the oil directly or mix it with a pinch of sugar or honey to make an exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells.
By following these simple home remedies regularly throughout the wintertime, you’ll be able to protect yourself from further damage and help keep those chapped lips at bay!
Over The Counter Products
There are many OTC lip care products available for those suffering from chapped lips, such as balms, creams, and oils. My personal favorite is Carmex – a classic lip balm made with petrolatum, beeswax, menthol, and other natural ingredients to help lock in moisture and soothe inflammation. The added bonus is that it also provides a layer of protection from sun damage and cold weather.
Apart from Carmex, Vaseline and Aquaphor are two other popular choices for those looking for quick relief from dryness and discomfort.
Products made with ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil can help seal in hydration and prevent dryness in winter weather, too.
Exfoliating Your Lips
Exfoliating your lips is a great way to help rid them of dead skin cells and the dry, flaky skin that builds up with chapped lips. Exfoliating allows the lip care products to penetrate deeper and work more effectively. Try using a soft toothbrush or a soft cloth to gently scrub away any flaky patches on your lips. Just remember, it’s important to be gentle with your lips and never forcefully tear or try to remove dry skin, as this can lead to irritation, bleeding, or increased sensitivity.
Afterwards, apply one of the remedies mentioned before, like coconut oil or Carmex, before bedtime. This will allow you to benefit from the treatment overnight and get maximum absorption of the product into your skin. Doing this routine once or twice a week will greatly improve the condition of your lips and make sure they stay healthy and hydrated.
Taking care of your lips is an important part of a healthy skin care routine. Exfoliating and applying treatments, such as the ones above, can help to keep your lips hydrated and free from any dryness or cracking. Taking the time to follow these steps regularly will ensure that you have soft, healthy lips in the winter and all year round!
