Chapped lips are a common problem, thanks to ultrathin skin that's constantly exposed to the elements. But there are steps to take and ways to moisturize and treat dry lips that can give you back the softer, smoother lips you love.
Don’t ever lick your lips. It may feel good at the moment, but licking your lips just dehydrates them, increasing the chance that they'll become chapped. Instead, use a lip balm, but avoid the flavored kind, which can taste so good they may actually make it more likely that you'll lick your lips!
Invest in an effective lip balm. Look for moisturizing balms that include natural emollients like cocoa butter, beeswax, almond oil, and sunflower oil — they’ll provide an extra layer of protection from sun, wind, and rain and help seal in moisture. You don’t have to get anything fancy: Simple petroleum jelly is a fantastic lip sealer and healer.
Make sure your lips are protected whenever you’re outdoors. A lip balm with sunscreen will help you avoid sunburned or darkened lips. Be sure to apply a thick coat of balm to your lips whenever you’ll be exposed to the elements — especially during the winter, when dry, cold weather makes chapped lips common.
Skip anything that could irritate dry lips. Spicy or citrusy foods can cause chapped lips to burn; even some lip balms, such as those that contain menthol, may irritate them. Put your lipsticks and lip liners away as well when your lips are chapped — many of these cosmetics can further dry your lips.
Keep your body hydrated. Chapped lips often occur when the atmosphere is dry and your body becomes dehydrated. Run humidifiers at home to keep the air moist, and be sure you drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
Gently exfoliate your chapped lips. Dry lips often peel and flake, and a soft scrub can help reveal a fresh, undamaged layer of skin. You can use a soft toothbrush or a wet washcloth to exfoliate your lips, or create a gentle scrub by making a paste of sugar and oil. When you’re finished, slather on a thick layer of balm or some other lip treatment.
Experiment with a few all-natural treatments for chapped lips. Mix a teaspoon each of glycerine, lemon juice, and castor oil to make an excellent lip moisturizer. Apply the mixture to your lips and leave it on overnight. Aloe vera gel is a fantastic natural healer — spread it on chapped lips to help soothe them. Even cucumber slices may help moisturize your lips.
0 comments:
Post a Comment