There is a special sadness if the lips are dry and chapped. Not only painful, dry and chapped lips can also make you look like a zombie. Although often associated with cold weather, dry and chapped lips can appear at any time.
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Part 1 of 3: Using Lip Care
Step 1. Moisturize lips
The easiest way to do this is to apply a lip balm that contains ingredients that lock in moisture, such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline), beeswax and shea butter.
Avoid matte lipsticks because these types of lipsticks can dry out your lips
Step 2. Protect your lips from the sun
Lip balm or ointment should also contain at least SPF 30. In particular, protect the lower lip as this area tends to be slightly more exposed than the upper lip.
Step 3. Watch out for allergens
If the lip balm or cream you're using doesn't improve chapped lips, pay attention to the ingredients in it. You may be allergic to the ingredients in the sunscreen, such as avobenzone.
- Fragrances and dyes can also cause allergies. Be sure to choose a lip balm that contains petroleum jelly, without dyes and fragrances.
- Some other common allergens in lip balm are menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor.
- Be aware that using lip gloss can cause cheilitis (acute or chronic inflammation of the lips). This condition can be caused by excessive use of lip gloss, as well as contacts/allergens that cause dermatitis or atopic dermatitis.
Step 4. Exfoliate the lips
Exfoliating the skin on very chapped lips with a brush or lip scrub will make the lips look soft and beautiful again. Lip exfoliators can be purchased at beauty supply stores, but you can also make your own by following this simple recipe.
- Combine 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon honey, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl. Apply the scrub on the lips and rub the two parts of the lips against each other. Clean the lips with a clean towel. After that, immediately apply lip balm petroleum jelly.
- Make sure not to overdo it. Just do the exfoliation once or a maximum of twice a week.
Part 2 of 3: Preventing Chapped Lips
Step 1. Do not be exposed to dry air too often
Because they produce less moisture, lips are very sensitive to changes in humidity. Cold air is a common cause, but dry air from heating or air conditioning can also injure your lips.
Step 2. Increase the humidity of the air
The air outside is uncontrollable. However, at home, you can install a humidifier. The results will be effective if the humidifier is turned on in the room while you sleep and the lips are neglected for a long time.
Step 3. Keep the body hydrated
Drink 8-12 glasses of water a day to keep lips full and moist.
Step 4. Protect lips from various elements
In addition to wearing sunscreen (try using a lip balm with SPF 30), also use a scarf to cover your lips, especially when going out and the weather is cold. Always apply lip balm before going outdoors in winter.
Step 5. Breathe through your nose
Breathing through the mouth can dry out the lips. To prevent chapped lips, take a deep breath through your nose.
Step 6. Stop licking your lips
One of the causes of dry and chapped lips is when the lips are licked. Saliva is created to digest food; Saliva contains acidic enzymes that affect the top layer of the skin on the lips.
Although it can give a temporary fresh effect on the skin, lip licking will actually cause more harm to the lips
Part 3 of 3: Understanding the Causes of Dry Lips
Step 1. Accept the condition of thin lip skin
Lips are one of the body parts that have the thinnest skin. This condition is exacerbated because the lips are always exposed to various elements. Lips are prone to dryness due to their composition and location on the face.
Lips also have fewer natural oil glands to keep the skin hydrated. This means that you will have to provide additional hydration when the moisture is gone
Step 2. Avoid the sun
The effect of sunlight on the lips is often overlooked. In fact, harmful UVA / UVB rays can cause burning and dry lips.
Skin cancer can also appear on the lips
Step 3. Check your vitamin intake
Sometimes, dry lips can be caused by a vitamin B2 deficiency. If you've tried many treatments to hydrate your lips but haven't been successful, call your doctor for a vitamin deficiency test.
Step 4. Be on the lookout for certain medications
Some medications, such as "Accutane" which is commonly used to treat acne, can make lips very dry and chapped. If you plan to take any of these medications, don't forget to pay special attention to your lips.
