Try These 8 Methods to Get Rid of the Chapped Lips

Before finding about ways to get rid of chapped lips, it is important to get an idea about exactly what causes this problem in the first place. Some of the most common causes of chapped lips are insufficient moisture, dehydration, licking your lips, lack of self-care, deficiency of vitamins, excessive sun exposure, harsh weather, allergies, and excessive use of hot beverages and spicy foods.

When you have chapped lips, you will experience some symptoms as well. For instance, the most common symptoms are flaky lips that peel, severe dryness, dry patches, mouth sores, bleeding, cracks on lips, and swelling on lips.

Pay Attention to Hydration

You need to take steps to keep your lips well-hydrated all the time. Your dry, sore lips will look better when you do something to lock in moisture. First, you need to protect your lips from cold, dry air. Then, you should use Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to keep your lips moist. Vaseline leaves a layer of protection on your lips and helps rehydrate the skin. You may also want to drink plenty of water and avoid spicy or citrus food to avoid dehydration in general.

Avoid Biting Your Lips

If you cannot stop biting your lips, there is no point in looking for how to get rid of chapped lips. It may be tempting, but biting away at the flaky skin may make your lips to bleed. It exposes your skin to bacteria and germs, which can prolong the healing period.

Do Not Lick Dry Lips

You may think that licking is a way to keep your lips moist, but that is not going to help. Keep in mind that licking may look like a quick relief for chapped, dry lips, but eventually, the saliva evaporates leaving your skin dryer than before. Instead of licking, you will be better off using a lip balm.

Do Not Touch Your Lips

Yes, they may be feeling very dry and even a bit tight, but you should avoid the temptation to feel your lips with your fingers. Never try to remove those flakes of skin using your fingers. Again, this can expose your skin to bacteria and germs and slow down the healing process. Use petroleum jelly or opt for a good lip balm.

Make Use of Sunscreen

If you are going to spend some time out in the sun, it is important to protect your lips from direct sun exposure. For this, you can apply sunscreen to your lips. That added layer of protection will prevent your lips from getting dry or burned.

Avoid Exposure to Allergens

Your sensitive lips could be the result of irritation caused by allergens, so you need to limit your exposure to certain allergens, such as dyes, perfumes, and fragrances. Also, be very careful when using cosmetics and products that may include chemicals.

Exfoliate Your Lips

Gentle exfoliation can help rejuvenate your skin by getting rid of dead skin cells. You have to be very gentle when exfoliating lips or else you may end up developing pain and bleeding. You can use a gentle exfoliator like a sugar scrub to get good results.

Make Use of Home Remedies

To learn how to get rid of chapped lips, you can take advantage of different home remedies. Here are some options to consider.

• Use coconut oil or other carrier oils such as castor oil and olive oil to moisturize and lubricate your lips. The oils provide healthy fatty acids to your lips and improve their look. Simply add a couple of drops of the essential oil in coconut oil or other carrier oil. Mix well and apply the mixture directly to your lips for relief. Do it thrice a day for good results.

• The combination of honey and Vaseline may also help. The combo works because honey has antibacterial and healing properties, whereas Vaseline nourishes your skin from the inside. Start by applying a layer of honey on your chapped lips and then apple some Vaseline on top of honey. Leave it for 10-15 minutes and then remove with a damp tissue. Do it at least once every day to get good results.

• Cucumber is also a good home remedy for chapped lips. You simply need to take a cucumber slice and rub it gently on your lips for a couple of minutes. Wash your lips after 10 minutes for relief. Do it twice a day for good results. The remedy works because cucumber works as a hydrating agent for your skin and prevents dryness and flakiness.

• The use of green teabags may also help treat your chapped lips. Take a cup of hot water, dip a green tea bag in it for a few minutes and then place it on your lips. Leave it there for several minutes for relief. The remedy works because green tea has tannins and antioxidant that keep your skin hydrated and repair any damage.