How to Get Rid of Chapped Lips
Chapped lips, also known as dry or cracked lips, are a common problem during the winter months. This can be an uncomfortable and even painful condition that can affect both your appearance and your confidence. Thankfully, there are several solutions for treating chapped lips. Let’s discuss how to get rid of chapped lips
1. Use a lip balm or moisturizer
Finding and using an effective lip balm or moisturizer can be tricky. It may take you some trial and error to find the right one for you. Dermatologists recommend a balm or lip moisturizer with ingredients like petrolatum, glycerin, shea butter, beeswax, ceramides, and white petroleum jelly — all of which help to hydrate and protect your lips from further damage.
2. Avoid lip balms containing eucalyptus, camphor, and menthol
These ingredients can create a cooling sensation, but they can also lead to further drying of your lips.
3. Use a lip balm that contains sunscreen
Even in the winter, the sun can be harsh on your lips, so make sure to use lip balm with an SPF rating of 30 or higher. This will protect your lips from damage due to the sun’s harmful rays.
4. Stay hydrated
Chapped lips can be caused by a number of things, but dehydration is one of the biggest culprits. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water — at least eight glasses per day. And if you need a little flavor in your life, add some lemon or cucumber slices to infuse your water with additional hydration benefits.
5. Avoid Licking Your Lips
One common mistake people make when they have chapped lips is to try and soothe them by licking their lips. When you lick your lips, it may feel like a temporary relief from the dryness — but what you’re really doing is setting yourself up for more chapping. Saliva evaporates quickly and can make your lips even drier and cracked.
6. Stop biting and picking at your lips
If you’re prone to biting or picking your lips, cut it out. Anything that disrupts the skin barrier can make them chapped. Even if it seems like a slight nibble, it’s still damaging your delicate lip area and making them drier overall.
When to see a dermatologist?
If you’ve been trying all the tips mentioned above and still cannot get rid of your chapped lips, it may be time to see a dermatologist. Because yeast infection, allergic reaction, or other skin conditions can also lead to chapped lips, it’s important to get a professional opinion. A dermatologist may be able to diagnose the underlying cause and provide you with an effective treatment.
