Tips for Cracked Lips in Winter!

Cracked lips is a common issue in dry weather, especially in winter. But how to deal with it? 

Before getting into the tips for prevention of chapped lips, let's understand how it is caused.

How does winter lead to cracked lips?

Cracking of lips by dry air (medically termed as Cheilitis) are common during winters. When the weather is cold, the moisture level in air drops down dramatically and the moisture from lips evaporates into the atmosphere leaving the lips chapped and cracked.

Suggested Read: 5 Mistakes That Make Your Dry Skin More Dry

What are the things you can do to keep your lips soft and smooth in winter?

Now that you know the reason for your dry and chapped lips, let’s understand what tips can actually help resolve the issue of cracked in winter.

• Use ointments: Apply a lip balm or ointment that contains natural ingredients, such as beeswax, shea butter, or petrolatum. These ingredients can moisturize and protect your lips from cracking and peeling. Using an ointment 2-3 times a day is recommended, especially before going to bed as it heals your lips overnight.

• Avoid irritants: Don’t apply products that contain irritating ingredients, such as camphor, menthol, or alcohol. 

• Protect your lips from sun damage: Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher to protect your lips from sun damage. The sun can burn and dry out your lips, even in winter. Look for a lip balm that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which are sun-protective ingredients. Reapply the lip balm every two hours while outdoors. 

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help in treating cracked lips. Dehydration can cause your lips to lose moisture and become dry and chapped. 

• Don’t disrupt the skin barrier: Avoid licking, biting, or picking at your lips. These habits can damage the skin barrier and make your lips more prone to drying and cracking. They can also introduce bacteria and cause infections. If you feel the urge to lick your lips, apply some lip balm instead. 

• Exfoliate: Exfoliate your lips gently once a week to remove dead skin cells. You can use a soft toothbrush, a washcloth, or a homemade lip scrub made with sugar and honey. Do not over-exfoliate. Rub your lips gently in circular motions, then rinse with warm water and apply some lip balm. Do not exfoliate your lips if they are bleeding or infected. 

Follow these tips to prevent cracked lips and smile smoothly throughout the winter!

Suggested Read: What's Causing Your Skin Rash