Chapped lips can feel dry, cracked, and sore. This condition can be caused by a variety of things, including dry weather, lip licking, and certain medications. This condition tends to be especially bothersome during the winter months. Fortunately, you can prevent it by following a few easy habits.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Topical (Direct) Applications
Step 1. Use a lip balm
Apply lip balm to help heal and prevent chapped lips. Lip balm also helps lock in moisture and protects your lips from external irritants.
- Apply lip balm every hour or two to treat dry lips and keep them healthy.
- Use a lip balm with an SPF of at least 16 to save your lips from sun damage.
- Apply lip balm after you apply moisturizer.
- Look for lip balms that have beeswax, petroleum jelly, or dimethicone.
Step 2. Try using petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) can help seal and protect your lips, by acting as a lip balm. Using petroleum jelly can also help protect your lips from the sun, which can make them dry and cracked.
Apply a sunscreen formulated for lips under petroleum jelly
Step 3. Apply moisturizer
Using a moisturizer will help keep your lips hydrated and absorb moisture more easily. Moisturizing is an important part of keeping your lips as moisturized as possible. Look for the following ingredients in your moisturizer:
- Shea Butter
- Emu Butter
- Vitamin E oil
- Coconut oil
Method 2 of 3: Caring for Lips
Step 1. Use a humidifier to increase the humidity of the air
If you live in a dry climate, prevent dry, chapped lips by keeping your air moisturised. You can buy a humidifier at supermarkets and pharmacies.
- Aim to increase the humidity level in your home by 30-50%.
- Keep your humidifier clean by washing it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, these machines can get moldy and become a breeding ground for bacteria and other nasty things that can make you sick.
Step 2. Avoid going outside in harsh weather conditions without protection
Exposing your lips to the sun, wind, and cold temperatures will dry them out. Always put on some lip balm or cover it with a scarf before going out for a walk.
- Lock in moisture with a lip balm or chapstick that contains sunscreen to prevent sunburn (that's right, lips can get sunburned too!).
- Wear thirty minutes before going outside.
- If you swim, reapply frequently.
Step 3. Check your vitamin intake and other requirements
Lack of any vitamin can cause your lips to dry and crack. Make sure you're getting enough of the following vitamins and minerals, and talk to your doctor if you're not sure you're getting enough:
- B vitamins
- Iron
- Essential fatty acids
- Multi vitamins
- Mineral supplements
Step 4. Drink plenty of water
Dehydration can cause dry and chapped lips. Increase the amount of water you drink to help keep your lips hydrated.
- Winter is very dry, so be sure to increase hydration during this season.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day as recommended.
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding the Causes of Irritation
Step 1. Avoid allergies
You may be allergic to substances that come into contact with your lips. Fragrances and dyes are common allergens. If you often have chapped lips, use only products that don't contain fragrances or dyes.
- Toothpaste is another common culprit. If your lips are itchy, dry or sore, or hot after brushing your teeth, you may be allergic to the ingredients in the toothpaste. Switch to natural products with fewer preservatives, dyes, or flavours.
- Lipstick is the most common cause of contact allergy on the lips for women, but toothpaste is the most common cause for men.
Step 2. Don't lick your lips
Licking the lips will cause more age chapped. While licking your lips seems to help keep them hydrated, it actually actually makes them dry. In fact, "lip-licker's dermatitis" is often seen in people who lick their lips too often, and can cause an itchy rash around the mouth. Use lip balm instead.
- Avoid using flavored lip balms, as you may be tempted to lick your lips.
- Don't apply too much of any product as this can also make you lick your lips.
Step 3. Don't bite your lip
Biting your lips will remove their protective covering leading to further drying. Let your lips heal and function without pinching or biting them.
- Pay attention when you bite your lip, because you may not notice it.
- Ask a friend to remind you not to bite your lip if they see you doing it.
Step 4. Avoid certain foods
Spicy and acidic foods can irritate your lips. Watch your lips after eating and look for signs of irritation. Try eliminating these foods from your diet for a few weeks to see if the irritation subsides.
- Avoid all foods with chili or sauce.
- Don't eat highly acidic foods like tomatoes.
- Some foods, such as mango peel, contain irritants that should also be avoided.
Step 5. Breathe in through your nose
The constant flow of air caused by breathing through the mouth can dry out the lips and cause them to crack. Breathe in through your nose instead.
If you have difficulty breathing through your nose, consult a doctor. You may have allergies or other health conditions that are causing the blockage
Step 6. Check your medication
Certain medications can dry out the lips as a side effect. Talk to your doctor to see if one of your medications might be causing your chapped lips. These medications can include prescription and over-the-counter medications used to treat:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sick
- Severe acne (Accutane)
- Blockages, allergies and other breathing problems
- Never stop any medication without your doctor's approval.
- Ask your doctor for alternatives or how to deal with these side effects.
Step 7. Know when to see a doctor
In some cases, chapped lips may be a sign of another medical problem that will require a doctor's care. If you have any of the following signs, see your doctor:
- Cracks that persist despite treatment
- Cracks that feel very painful
- Swelling or discharge from the lips
- Cracks in the corners of your mouth
- Painful sores on or near the lips
- Wounds that won't heal
Tips
- Always drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- Apply lip balm before eating and wash your lips after eating.
- Try using chapstick or lip balm at night to prevent dry lips in the morning.
- Make sure you remember to apply moisturizer in the morning. The driest time on your lips is right after you wake up!
- The main causes of chapped lips are sun, wind, and cold or dry air.
- Wash your hands before touching your face applying lip balm or moisturizer.
- Apply honey on the lips before going to bed every night.
