The temperatures have dropped and the air is drier outside meaning you’re probably experiencing dry or chapped lips as the air pulls the moisture from your saliva off freshly-licked lips. How do you ease dry, cracked lips? Try these 5 tips for chapped lips.
- Use non-irritating lip products. This seems like a no-brainer, but you may actually be applying products that are doing more harm than good. If your lips burn, sting, or tingle after applying a product to them, this is a sign that the product is irritating your lips – NOT that the product or its active ingredients are working. It also helps to use fragrance free and hypoallergenic products.
- Apply products that heal chapped, dry skin. Products containing castor seed oil, ceramides, hemp seed oil, mineral oil, petrolatum, shea butter or white petroleum jelly are generally best.
- Apply a non-irritating lip balm several times a day and before bed. If you have especially dry or cracked lips, it can help to use a thick moisturizer, such as white petroleum jelly, to seal in moisture longer than typical waxes and oils.
- Use a product with SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors. This will aid in protecting your skin from sun damage that could further your discomfort.
- Don’t lick, bite, or peel your lips. Although the temptation to wet your lips by licking them is strong, these actions will further irritate your lips and prevent healing.
If dryness doesn’t resolve in two to three weeks after trying these 5 tips for chapped lips, consider seeing your dermatologist. A professional dermatologist can help uncover any underlying issues that may be contributing to your irritation. Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, Georgia. To schedule an appointment or make another inquiry, our offices can be reached at 706-691-7079.
