Lips lack natural the oils that are necessary for protecting them against the dry winter winds and reduced humidity in homes and businesses with indoor heating, explains MotherNature.com. Lips can easily be burned by the sun, including the sun's reflection off the snow. MotherNature.com reports that lips have less pigment and this allows more sun to penetrate the lips, causing damage. Preventing chapped lips is similar to treating them. Lips need hydration and protection from the environment. Chapped lips can be healed quickly with the use of the right products and techniques.
Step 1
Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly or a commercial chapped lip product. There are several on the market made of antibiotic ointment, petrolatum and beeswax. A thick moisturizing cream will help replenish the moisture in the lips. This first application should be heavy to help soften the dried skin from the chapping. Allow the moisturizer to sit for as long as possible. If your lips do not feel tacky, apply more.
Step 2
Wet a soft cloth with warm water. Use the cloth to gently slough off any loose skin. Do not force skin off or rub areas that are cracked or bleeding.
Step 3
Apply hydrocortisone cream to any areas of the skin that are sore, cracked or bleeding. The hydrocortisone cream will soothe the pain and help the tissue heal. There are antibiotic lip products you can apply, too. Some of these work best as an overnight application.
Step 4
Reapply the petroleum jelly or similar product if the lips are still chapped. Allow it to sit for as long as possible and repeat the above steps. If the lips seem to be more hydrated at this point, apply a lip balm with sunscreen to protect the lips from further damage.
Tips and Warnings
- Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly to the lips before bed if they seem highly susceptible to chapping. Increase water consumption to keep the skin hydrated. Avoid lip products that contain alcohol or fragrance, including cosmetics, as these will dry the skin more.
Things You'll Need
- Petroleum jelly or commercial lip balm
- Soft cloth
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Lip balm with sunscreen
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