Read on to discover how to get rid of chapped lips, for good. Let’s have a look！
Common Causes of Dry Lips
Although you may have suffered from dry lips for a long time, it is not a ‘normal’ condition. It is a sign that your body sends out to let you know that something is wrong. So what are the most common causes of dry lips?
Sunburn
Well, the first one is the same cause that makes other parts of your body dry. Exposure to the sun without proper care can destroy the moisture barrier of your skin, making it dry and sensitive. Next time you’re out in the sun, you may well want to invest in some sun-protecting lip balm.
Vitamin Deficiency
This one is harder to diagnose, but if you have continually dry lips, you may be suffering from a vitamin deficiency. If you think you show other symptoms like fatigue or loss of appetite, go see your doctor and ask him to test you for any deficiencies.
Allergies
Allergies can make your lips very dry and sensitive because of your body’s reaction to what is perceived as a threat. If you suspect you may have an allergy, you may want to get tested and see whether this is the cause behind your chapped lips.
Having Your Mouth Open As You Sleep
Sleeping with your mouth open increases the chance of you developing dry lips.
Smoking or Chewing Gum
Other daily activities like smoking or chewing gum can also cause dry lips in the long term. They may be hard habits to kick, but try it and you may find that your chapped lips problem simply goes away.
As A Side Effect Of Certain Drugs
Certain drugs, whether taken orally or topically, can cause your lips to dry up. In many cases, if you are prescribed medicine that has that effect on you, the only thing you can do is to make sure to take good care of your lips on a daily basis.
Environmental Factors
Certain environmental factors like the temperature of the air, the humidity level or attitude could cause you to get chapped lips. If you move to a new climate and start experiencing that issue, it may also simply be your body adapting to its new environment.
What Do Chapped Lips Look Like?
If you have chapped lips, you will notice that your lips feel rough to the touch. They are not soft and smooth but cracked and a bit tougher in texture. They may also hurt a little, or you may feel a pulling sensation. These are all signs that you are suffering from cheilitis.
So How Do I Get Rid Of My Chapped Lips
There are a few simple steps that you can take to ensure you rehydrate your lips and give them the strength to recover from this condition. Here are our top tips for curing dry lips.
Choose a good lip balm
The easiest step to get rid of dry lips is simply to apply lip balm regularly. Choose one that is based around natural ingredients rather than things like mineral oils. Ideally, your lip balm should say something like ‘natural’ and should contain ingredients like beeswax, cocoa butter or shea butter.
Drink More Water
Hydration comes from the inside. The better hydrated you are, the more the skin of your entire body will be hydrated too. In fact, you may find that by drinking a few more glasses of water a day, your chapped lips simply go away.
Don’t Lick Or Tear Your Chapped Lips
As tempting as it may be to touch your lips, lick them, or pull at the dry skin, you must avoid this at all cost. Allow your skin time to rest and recover by applying lip balm and touching your lips as little as possible.
Exfoliate Your Lips
When a tough layer of dry skin has accumulated on your lips, this not only looks unappealing, it also keeps your lips from healing further. So get a good lip scrub or make a handmade one and start gently getting rid of the dead skin cells that are on your lips.
Apply Oil 0n Your Lips
The most natural way to rehydrate your lips when they are chapped is to apply oils on them. Try coconut, sweet almond oil, jojoba or olive oil for best results.
Control The Use Of Toothpaste
Using too much toothpaste is another factor that can contribute to you getting dry lips. Be careful and strive to use a little less toothpaste, and to not let it touch your lips. This will help you to get much smoother, hydrated lips in no time!
Use A Humidifier
Sometimes, having dry lips is a sign that the environment in which you live is too dry. So get a small humidifier for your room, and you should experience quick relief from the tugging sensation around your mouth.
Avoid Smoking
Of course, having dry lips is not the only reason to stop smoking. But considering how annoying that condition can be on a daily basis, it should provide an additional argument to quit smoking if you are considering it. Ditch the cigarette, and say hello to your new, smooth and plump lips!
Having dry lips is an annoying condition, but you don’t have to see it as a normal part of your life. Instead, try to understand the reasons why you may be suffering from chapped lips or cheilitis. Then, introduce some natural lip care into your daily routine, and follow our simple tips. This should give you relief from dry lips quickly, and give you your smile back!
