Chapped lips can be caused by extreme temperatures, open-mouth breathing because a stuffy nose, rubbing with a tissue during a cold, allergens in your skin care products and even just not drinking enough water. Typically, chapped lips are easy to treat at home without using Chapstick, but if they become cracked or if you don't notice improvement after a few weeks of self treatment, see your health care provider; it's rare, but sometimes chapped lips can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition.
Step 1
Brush your teeth before you wash your face, so that you completely remove any drying toothpaste residue from your lips, recommends New York City dermatologist Doris Day in "Marie Claire" magazine. Day says toothpaste residue is one of the main causes of dry lips.
Step 2
Skip your lips when you exfoliate your face—exfoliation breaks down the barrier that seals in moisture, explains "Cosmopolitan" magazine.
Step 3
Apply a thick, petroleum-based lip balm generously to your lips before using face creams, acne treatments and anti-aging serums. Day says these treatments have a tendency to migrate to your lips, and if the skin there isn't protected, it can become dry. Petroleum-based balms offer more protection than wax-based ones like Chapstick, according to "Cosmopolitan."
Step 4
Opt for fragrance-free lipsticks, lip plumpers and other lip treatments. Products that contain scents like cinnamates can dehydrate your lips, according to "Cosmopolitan."
Step 5
Drink plenty of water during the day so that your lips get the hydration they need to heal. Aim for between six and eight glasses of water every day.
Step 6
Apply a moisturizing lip balm during the day after meals, drinks and any time your lips start to feel dry. Look for a balm that contains linseed oil, cranberry seed oil or argan oil for best results, recommends "Real Beauty" magazine.
Tips and Warnings
- If your chapped lips are unsightly, apply a neutral lip gloss instead of regular lipstick. The gloss will reflect light to make chapping less obvious.
- It's tempting to pick at chapped lips, but don't: Doing so will only make the problem worse. Instead, apply your daytime balm any time you feel the urge to pick.
Things You'll Need
- Petroleum-based lip balm
- Moisturizing lip balm
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