By During the cold, dry months of winter, it feels like your skin sometimes takes a beating. The combination of chilly temperatures, dry air, and icy roads can do a real number on our overall complexion, and that extends to our lips, too. If you don’t have particularly moist lips to begin with regardless of the time of year or season, the winter season can really exacerbate the chapping, peeling, and cracking of your lips.
There is hope, however! In order to protect your kisser and keep your lips soft and moisturized, just follow these seven easy steps to preventing dry, cracked lips this winter. I mean, Valentine’s Day is a winter holiday, after all, and you need your lips to be in good working order to share the love!
How to Get Your Chapped and Cracked Lips Under Control
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Did you know your lips don’t have oil glands? All the more reason to drink up. Water, that is. Water has a million benefits for your body, and providing overall hydration extends to your precious pout, too. Use a humidifier indoors to combat the dry heat blowing in your house for added hydration.
- A gentle scrub never hurt anyone
You can use a lip exfoliator or make your own DIY scrub at home with equal parts sugar and coconut oil, honey, or olive oil. Use your fingers or a toothbrush to gently rub back and forth on your lips to rid them of excess dry skin.
- Read your lip balm label
A worthy lip balm will protect your lips by providing a buffer from the elements. Check the ingredients label of your favorite balm to make sure it’s high in emollients, petrolatum, and dimethicone to help lock in moisture and seal off cracks and splits in your overly dry lips. Balms or ointments that contain Vitamin E are also effective and will make your lips deliciously glossy.
- Don’t peel any dry skin
Peeling or picking off the dry, flaky skin of your lips can cause them further irritation, bleeding, and pain. It also slows the healing process down and make the overall situation thoroughly worse. We know it’s tempting to pick and peel, but we promise you’ll be sorry if you do.
- Lick lollipops, not your lips
Though LL Cool J may disagree, licking one’s lips repeatedly is counterproductive. Your saliva dries them out and zaps the existing moisture during the process. If your lips feel dry or “naked”, whip out that balm or ointment instead!
- Protect your pucker outside
Think about it: we cover our hands, feet, necks, and heads when we venture out into the artic-like weather. Yet we nearly abandon our faces completely to the elements. Crazy! Extend your scarf over your mouth when you go outside, and don’t forget that lip balm. Wind is a huge factor in cracking and chapping.
- Apply balm liberally year-round
We can’t stress this enough, I know. But the benefits of the balm are endless! It’s the best line of defense against winter winds and cold temperatures, as well as summer sunshine and just everyday wear and tear. Trust us, your luscious lips will thank you.
By following these tips, you’re well on your way to being the best line of defense for your lips. Sure, they can get chapped and cracked any time of year – but during these cold, dry months, your lips need to be on a winter weather advisory too.
Something as simple as applying lip balm liberally every single day can make a huge difference. Put some on first thing in the morning, right before bed, before applying makeup, and anytime your lips feel dry during the day. Put those tubes of Lip Smacker you’ve got rolling around in the bottom of your purse, in your coat pocket, and your favorite junk drawer to good use!
If these tips don’t work, you may want to consult a dermatologist and inquire about a potential allergic reaction or condition. Chapping and cracking that doesn’t heal can be a sign of a more serious problem.
Now, go on – pucker up and protect that pout!
Are you suffering from dry, chapped, or cracked lips this winter? Don’t worry, we’ve got some tips In to help protect your kisser and keep your lips soft and moisturized during these cold weather months.
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Author Bio:
Alana Mitchell is the day spa owner at Skincare by Alana, beauty/skincare expert and licensed esthetician. Skincare by Alana is a popular online skincare shop for famous brands like Rhonda Allison, June Jacobs and many more,. She doesn’t believe in beauty products that are not tried and researched, rather she is excited about natural organic day spa treatments that actually work. When she is not busy with her website or her day spa in Dana Pointe she enjoys being with her family and newborn son.
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