Chapped Lips – Daily Treatment Methods You Can Use at Home

If dry, chapped lips are a problem for you, take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. Because the skin on the lips is very thin and doesn’t produce oil, it is common to experience dryness, but you don’t have to let it get the best of you. Whether you live in an area of cooler climate, lack hydration, or just want a more kissable pout, these daily treatment methods can help put you on the right path:

If you already have dry, flaky skin on your lips, the most convenient method will take place right after brushing your teeth or cleansing your skin. Since the skin on your lips is moist after either of these activities, all you have to do is take a soft washcloth or toothbrush and gently massage it across the lips. I know you’re anxious about removing that pesky flaky skin, but the process should not involve bleeding or breaking the skin. This is a personal favorite of mine, and I use it whenever I experience dry skin also! I can apply lipstick smoothly onto my lips without any problems.

I highly recommend keeping the lips moisturized on a daily basis, and you will find that you may have to reapply a product at least twice a day (if needed). The most popular choices that are easy to find are petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Aquaphor works very quickly, and you will notice that a little bit goes a long way. If you’re looking for natural products, then I highly suggest shea butter or olive oil. Both are extremely moisturizing and nourishing to the skin, are convenient to locate, and are reasonably priced.

If hydration is a problem for you, then you have to drink an adequate amount of water everyday. The bottom line is that you must have a sufficient amount of water in your body to prevent dehydration and chapped lips. One of my useful habits is that I carry bottled water with me everywhere I go, and I even keep a couple of bottles in the car so that I can stay hydrated even during road trips. Not only does your skin benefit from it, but it’s necessary for the overall proper function of your body.

Makeup wearers can benefit from using moisturizing lipsticks and lip glosses because they help preserve moisture and prevent chapped lips. Most cosmetic lines offer a variety of lip products, and have expanded their lines to include products including Vitamin E and SPF. One trick is to apply a small amount of product containing Vitamin E or SPF onto your lips before applying your lip color. You can nourish and protect your lips while wearing your favorite lip color! Matte lipsticks can be very drying, so avoid using those at all costs. If it’s the lip color that you’re going for, then you can apply a moisturizing product on top to prevent drying.

I know it’s very tempting to lick your lips when you notice they are dry, but the truth is once the moisture evaporates it can leave your skin feeling dryer than before. Saliva doesn’t contain oil or emollient ingredients, so it leaves your skin longing for extra moisture that it cannot offer. Try Chapstick or Blistex instead, and you’ll thank yourself for it.