Chapped lips are mainly associated with winter and cold weather, but they can also appear due to other factors. For example, a very dry climate can be bad for your lips. And while prevention is always the best tactic, sometimes a problem arises and we have no choice but to try to fix it. That is why we have put together a list of simple things you can do at home to cure bothersome chapped lips.
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Use aloe vera and honey.
Aloe vera gel is often used for burns, but it can also work wonders for dry, chapped lips. You can easily buy the gel at the store or use the gel directly from the plant if you have it at home. You just have to peel off a sheet, unfold it and remove the gel. Be sure to take it easy though, as aloe vera does have some gentle exfoliating properties.
As for honey, there are many studies that show how good it is for wound healing. It can also help to hydrate dry lips and lightly exfoliate them, removing some of the dead skin. Organic honey works best for this, so try to stay away from store-bought forms of honey that are high in sugar.
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Use lip balms with SPF protection.
Whether it’s winter or summer, applying a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher is essential to protect your lips. Try to find a product that contains titanium oxide or zinc oxide, and reapply conditioner every 2 hours if you’re out too long. Remember that the sun can damage your skin and lips even with very low temperatures.
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Use avocado oil.
While many people use avocado oil for cooking, it’s also great for moisturizing lips. It is not a strong allergen so it is perfect for people with sensitive skin who have chapped lips most of the year. The sterolin contained in this oil protects the structure of skin cells and treats inflammation. After doing its restorative work, it will leave your lips soft and highly hydrated.
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Use Vaseline throughout the day.
Vaseline is very easy to find and quite cheap, and scientists have approved its daily use for chapped lips. It holds moisture longer than oils and waxes, and you can apply it to your lips throughout the day and at night before bed. That way, it will have plenty of time to do its job and restore shine to your dry, dull lips.
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Use cucumber slices.
You’ve probably seen a lot of women in movies put cucumber slices on their eyes and it turns out that you can do the same with your lips. Just take a couple of slices and gently rub them on your lips, leave the cucumber juice on them for about 10 minutes before rinsing. You can also crush the pieces into a paste and apply to your lips as a mask.
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Use green tea bags.
Green tea is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may not have been proven to heal chapped lips, but it will relieve the burning sensation of dry lips. Simply place the tea bag in hot water, let it steep for a few minutes, and then take it out. Put the tea bag on your lips for a few minutes and you will notice that they feel much better afterwards.
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Use light exfoliating mixtures.
There are many scrub recipes you can find online and most of them are sugar based. Something as simple as sugar and honey can go a long way for dry, chapped lips. You have to be very careful how you rub the scrub on your lips. A scrub is especially necessary if flakes of dry skin hang from the lips.
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Use a conditioner that contains beeswax.
Beeswax has many antibacterial properties that help heal wounds of all kinds, including chapped lips. This will help with the infection and stimulate the skin to produce new cells. All you have to do is find a good beeswax lip balm and keep applying it to your lips as many times as you like throughout the day.
