Dry and chapped lips do not only make your lips unattractive, but it can also be painful and can cause discomfort as well as bleeding. Like the rest of your skin, your lips are prone to drying out because it does not contain oil glands. Due to this, special care and protection are needed by the soft and delicate skin over your lips.
What Causes Dry And Cracking Lips?
The major causes of dry and chapped lips are:
- Harsh weather
- Smoking
- A possible vitamin deficiency
- Lack of care or protection
- Excessive licking of lips
- Sun exposure
- Breathing through the mouth
- Dehydration
- Allergic reaction
Risk Factors For Chapped Lips
Your risk of developing chapped lips can also be increased by certain medications you are taking. These medications include:
- chemotherapy drugs
- retinoids (Retin-A, Differin)
- vitamin A
- lithium (commonly used to treat bipolar disorder)
What Are The Symptoms Of Chapped Lips?
Common symptoms associated with chapped lips are:
- Dryness
- Redness
- Cracking
- Scales
- Flaking
- Bleeding
- Tender or soreness when touched
Tips To Prevent Chapped Lips
Here are some of the tips that can help you prevent the recurrence of chapped lips:
- Keep your body well hydrated.
- Keep your lips well moisturized.
- As much as possible, avoid extreme temperature.
- Have a proper diet.
- Make sure the products you use on your lips do not contain possible allergens.
- Breathe through the nose.
Consult a dermatologist if ever the problem gets worse even after constant care and treatment.
Natural Ways Of Treating Chapped Lips
Commercial products are readily available for the treatment of chapped lips however, they are too expensive and may even contain chemicals that can possibly worsen the condition. You can try some of the simple yet effective natural solutions for this problem.
Coconut Oil
You can use coconut oil as a natural moisturizer to prevent and heal chapped lips caused by weather changes.
Keep your lips moisturized by simply applying pure coconut oil several times a day on your lips.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is a great remedy for chapped lips because it is an effective hydrating agent. You just need to apply it on your lips several times a day.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is famously known for its healing properties. Applying a small amount of its gel on your lips can help them heal and relieve the pain associated with chapped lips.
Sugar
Sugar will quickly help restore the natural softness of your lips.
Simply mix 2 teaspoons of sugar 1 teaspoon of honey to form a paste and then apply it on your lips.
Allow it to set for one minute. With the help of your fingers, gently rub the mixture around on your lips to loosen the dead skin cells. Use lukewarm to wash it off and apply a little honey to lock in the moisture.
Honey
Aside from being a good moisturizer, honey has antibacterial and healing properties. You just need to apply pure organic honey on your chapped lips several times a day.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is also very effective in treating dry lips.
You can keep your lips well protected by applying petroleum jelly on it several times a day. Reapplying it before going to bed is also recommended to keep your lips well-nourished overnight.
Water
Because dehydration is one of the causes of dry and chapped lips, it’s necessary to keep you body dehydrated. Drink plenty of water. Begin your day by drinking 1 or 2 glasses of water, and follow the general rule of eight glasses per day. You can also keep your body hydrated throughout the night by drinking warm water before going to bed.
Cucumber
Cucumber is a simple solution for your chapped lips. Gently rub your lips with a small size of cucumber until its juice is applied evenly. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes or until it is absorbed. For best results, repeat it several times a day.
