Chapped lips can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to heat and cold, dehydration and even allergies. The rough, uneven surface of chapped lips is caused by small fissures in the skin that can be painful and unsightly. Although this is not considered a serious medical condition, chapped lips can be uncomfortable. Some tips follow on how to moisturize your chapped lips.
Step 1
Choose a lip balm that contains petrolatum, shea butter, hyaluronic acid or dimethicone, all ingredients that work to restore moisture to skin.
Step 2
Look for a balm that's viscous rather than waxy. You want the balm to be able to sink into the fissures in your lips to moisturize and protect them instead of just sitting on the surface of your lips, according to an article in Allure magazine.
Step 3
Avoid balms with scents or flavors. Fragrance is the most common skin allergen and can exacerbate the discomfort of chapped lips.
Step 4
Use a lip balm or lipstick with alpha hydroxy acid once a day to help exfoliate the lips. Avoid other exfoliating scrubs, which can be too harsh for the sensitive skin on your lips, according to the Allure article.
Step 5
Apply lip balm after you brush your teeth, since toothpaste can affect the pH balance of your lips, making them more prone to chapping. If you think your toothpaste might be contributing to chapped lips, then use one that doesn't contain sodium laurel sulfate, states the Allure article.
Step 6
Drink plenty of water. According to the Mayo Clinic, staying hydrated can help reduce your risk of chapped lips.
Step 7
Don't lick your lips. It may bring relief for a moment, but it actually dries out your lips even more. Keep lip balm handy, and apply it whenever you have the urge to lick your lips.
Step 8
Consider visiting a dermatologist if chapped lips persist despite your best efforts. In a few rare cases, chapped lips can signal a more serious underlying health problem, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Tips and Warnings
- If chapped lips are an ongoing problem, then try a balm that contains ceramides, which can help restore the damaged skin barrier, according to the Allure article.
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