With winter quickly approaching, you are not alone if you are already dealing with chapped lips. Cold and dry weather can exacerbate this situation, leaving you with uncomfortable and unsightly lips. Here are seven of the best remedies for chapped lips.
Exfoliation Products
It is not uncommon for your lips to start to flake if they become too chapped. You can speed up this process of shedding dry skin by using a natural exfoliating product on them. Dead skin can prevent moisture from reaching the bottom layers of skin, making it important that you rid your lips of this barrier.
There are a number of commercial exfoliating lip scrubs specifically designed for this area of the face. Or you can make your own using sugar and a simple emollient or oil.
Lip Balm
Commercial lip balm is a tried and true solution for chapped lips. You can find classic lip balm at nearly any retail outlet. However, if you are looking for the best lip balm for chapped lips, you will want to do your research to make sure that you use a product formulated with quality ingredients.
Solid ingredients to look for on the label include lanolin and lanolin oil. This will ensure that the balm will penetrate through the dead skin and seal in the much-needed moisture to deliver relief.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been promoted as a beauty cure-all for good reason. This natural product is appropriate for use for a variety of your beauty needs, including helping to soothe dry and cracked lips.
Coconut oil is an effective emollient that works to moisturize the skin while also forming a protective barrier to keep out harmful irritants. Coconut oil also boasts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Simply apply the oil as needed throughout the day using a clean finger or a cotton swab.
Vaseline
Petroleum Jelly, widely known as Vaseline, is one of the most popular ways to treat chapped lips. You can use this jelly liberally on the lips. Be sure to really lather it on prior to bedtime.
This type of jelly works by sealing in moisture even better than most traditional oils. In addition, it is extremely inexpensive, making it a good choice for those looking to soothe chapped lips while on a budget. The only caveat is that you should not use Vaseline on lips that are burned. This product will seal in the heat and slow down the healing process.
Honey
Scientists have long touted the vast antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey. This natural product is also known for its ability to heal wounds, making it a good choice for a variety of skin conditions and ailments.
Honey can be instrumental in your quest to bring moisture to dry lips and to prevent infection from taking hold. Honey also has mild exfoliating benefits, working to slough away dry and dead skin from the surface of your lips. Organic honey is a better choice than its conventional counterpart.
Aloe Vera
While most people are familiar with aloe vera’s benefits for treating sunburn, most individuals do not think to use it on chapped lips. You can use this product in gel form or apply fresh aloe directly to the lips.
Because aloe vera features mild exfoliating abilities, you do not want to use this more than two or three times per day.
Avocado Butter
Many conventional lip balms feature avocado butter as an ingredient, proving as a testament to the efficacy of this product. The butter serves as both an emollient and a soother. Avocado butter is a good choice because it is easily absorbed into the skin as it delivers numerous antioxidants to the skin.
You can find organic avocado butter at health food stores or make your own at home. Apply as needed with a clean finger or a cotton swab.
When it comes to chapped lips, remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keeping your lips always moisturized will help to prevent having to deal with this problem in the first place. Staying hydrated will also go a long way in helping you to achieve soft and smooth lips.
