If your lips are red and dry, you probably have chapped lips. Although it may feel good to moisten your lips by licking them, that can make them even drier and more irritated. If you have extremely chapped lips, consult a doctor. If your doctor approves, you can use home remedies to moisturize and heal your lips.
Beeswax Lip Balm
If your lips are cracked, dry and red, apply a lip balm that contains beeswax as soon as possible, the Mayo Clinic advises. A lip balm that contains beeswax will seal in the moisture. If you can't find lip balm that contains beeswax, a petrolatum lip balm may also be effective, says the Mayo Clinic. If you are going outdoors, use a lip balm that also contains sunscreen.
Humidifier
When lips become chapped and dry, the skin cells are depleted of water. To replenish the moisture, drink plenty of water and sleep with a humidifier, suggests the Mayo Clinic. A humidifier releases water vapor into the air, which is absorbed into the skin. Humidifiers are available at drugstores and department stores. Humidifiers may spread mold and bacteria if they aren't cleaned properly, though. Clean yours at least three times a week to reduce mold and bacteria build-up.
Oil From Your Nose
If you're unable to apply lip balm to your severely chapped lips, use the oil from the outside of your nose to protect them, suggests dermatologist Joseph Bark, M.D., of Lexington, Ky. With a clean finger, gently rub the side of your nose, and then rub your lips with your finger. The natural oils on the side of your nose will lubricate the lips and protect them from further damage, says Dr. Bark.
Don't Lick Your Lips
Licking your lips may temporarily add moisture but may dry the lips out even more after your saliva evaporates. Wearing flavored or scented lip balms may tempt you to lick your lips even more, says the Mayo Clinic. Instead, use an unscented lip balm and apply it liberally throughout the day.
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