Chapped lips are an annoying occurrence that can lead to lowered self-esteem, pain when talking or eating and even infection. If you suffer from chapped lips, there are a series of steps that you can take to get your lips back to their healthy state. While no one remedy will cure your chapped lips overnight, you can eventually kiss your chapped lips goodbye and prevent them from coming back.
Step 1
Drink enough water every day. Schedule frequent water breaks on your calendar if you have to, but be sure to drink several ounces of water every two to three hours to keep yourself hydrated from the inside out. Replace salty and sugary snacks with high-water-content fruits and vegetables such as apples, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, carrots and lettuce.
Step 2
Avoid commercial toothpastes. Dr. Thomas Goodman, Jr., a dermatologist at the University of Tennessee's Center for Health Sciences, says that the flavoring agents in toothpaste can trigger sensitivity and allergic reactions in some people and cause chapped lips. Mouthwash, candy and chewing gum can also cause chapped lips, Dr. Goodman says. Use a toothbrush with baking soda on it in place of your regular toothpaste.
Step 3
Invest in zinc oxide if you drool when you sleep. Drool can dry out your lips while you sleep and agitate your already chapped lips. Apply an over-the-counter zinc oxide ointment every night before you go to sleep. The zinc oxide will form a barrier over your lips and protect them from the drool.
Step 4
Stop licking your lips. Licking your lips briefly moisturizes your lips, but the moisture quickly evaporates and you are left with even drier lips, says dermatologist Dr. Joseph Bark. Lip licking can even lead to a more serious condition called lip-licker's dermatitis, a condition where you lick the skin surrounding your lips and eventually strip the area of its natural oils. This causes a red, dermatitis ring around the mouth, Dr. Bark says.
Step 5
Take a multivitamin everyday. According to dermatologist Dr. Nelson Lee Novick, iron and B-complex vitamin deficiencies can contribute to chapped lips.
Step 6
Moisturize regularly. Take time out throughout the day or night to apply a lip balm. Use a lip balm with an SPH 30 during the day. If you do not achieve success with a lip balm, try a home remedy for chapped lips, such as extra-virgin olive oil. Apply the olive oil to your chapped lips at regular intervals throughout the day and again at bedtime. Petroleum jelly is another home remedy for chapped lips. Apply petroleum jelly to your lips and let sit for two minutes. Rub your lips with a dry washcloth. The washcloth removes the petroleum jelly and the skin flakes on your lips.
Step 7
Protect yourself from infection caused by chapped lips. According to dermatologist Dr. Diana Bihova, you can prevent infection by applying over-the-counter antibiotic ointments such as Polysporin or Bacitracin to your lips twice a day. If you use both ointments, apply one in the morning and the other at night.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Baking soda
- Zinc oxide ointment
- Multivitamin
- SPH 30 lip balm
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Petroleum jelly
- Washcloth
- Antibiotic ointment
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