Dry lips can be treated at home using a variety of natural remedies. Here are some tips and ingredients that can help:
Home Remedies for Chapped Lips
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Exfoliation: Gently exfoliating your lips can remove dead skin cells that can prevent your lip balm from reaching and moisturizing the new skin underneath the flaky areas. You can make your own lip scrub with ingredients you already have at home. You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp. of an exfoliating ingredient, such as sugar or sea salt
- 1 tbsp. of an emollient, such as honey or oil
- a small bowl or container for mixing your ingredients
- a cotton swab to apply the scrub
- a damp washcloth to remove it To make the lip scrub:
- Combine the exfoliating ingredient (salt or sugar) and emollient (oil or honey) in a bowl or container.
- Dip a cotton swab into the scrub.
- Apply the scrub to your lips in a circular motion using gentle pressure.
- Wipe off using a damp washcloth.
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Humidifier: If the air is dry, you can use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air.
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Lip balm: Apply a non-irritating lip balm or lip moisturizer several times a day and before bed. Look for products that contain the following ingredients:
- Ceramides
- Dimethicone
- Hemp seed oil
- Mineral oil
- Petrolatum
- Shea butter
- Sun-protective ingredients, such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide Avoid lip balms that contain fragrances, flavors, menthol, salicylic acid, and camphor, as they can further irritate the delicate skin.
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Natural oils and butters: You can use natural oils and butters to moisturize your lips. Some examples include:
- Coconut oil
- Honey
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
- Castor seed oil
- Seed oils
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Preventive tips: To prevent chapped lips, you can:
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid licking your lips
- Protect your lips from the sun with a lip balm that contains SPF
- Avoid holding items made of metal with your lips
Its important to note that if your lips are severely dry and cracked, its best to consult a dermatologist for treatment.
