It is not uncommon to have chapped lips, especially if you love the outdoors. They could appear peeled, cracked, and dry.
Causes
Table of content
This condition can be caused by several factors. It can be the outcome of dry, cold weather. The lips are ever exposed to the harsh elements of the sun and cold weather.
Therefore, if you wish to treat the issue, the first measure could be avoiding the elements causing it in the first place. Other factors that can cause this cracking, drying and peeling include ingredients in the toothpaste, or the medication being used.
Persistent dryness, chapping can be the outcome of dehydration. This condition can also occur through inhaling cold, dry, air through the mouth, and regularly licking the lips. These actions can leave them dry, and chapped.
Chronic chapped lips can be a strong indicator of a vitamin B deficiency or another more serious condition, such as Chelitis.
Overall, this is a condition that is easy to self-diagnose and manage on your own without the need to visit a doctor. Here are some remedies you can try at home. However, if the condition persists, then you should consult a medical practitioner.
Remedy #1: preventive measures
The best way to deal with chapping is to avoid the element that triggered it in the first place. Avoid the harsh weather as well as the tendency to lick your lips. Moisturize your lips them to keep them hydrated and help them heal.
You can do this by applying beeswax. Beeswax is one of the oldest and most reliable remedies for chapping, including dry ones. The beeswax will trap moisture thereby preventing further chapping. Also, try to breathe in through your nose rather than the mouth.
Remedy #2: go for the balm solution
Regularly using a balm is one of the best things for chapped lips. It creates a lining that protects them from the harsh weather. Also, a good brand will seal in and moisturized. The best balms for chapped lips should contain an SPF protector and should moisturize them. Some of the brands with a high review include the Palmer’s Cocoa butter formula, Badger Classic Organic balm, and the Blistex DCT daily conditioning balm.
If you do not want to purchase a lip balm, then you can consider using petroleum jelly. Using a petroleum jelly will help in moisturizing the skin as well as protecting it from the harsh weather. Avoid the urge of biting your lips to remove the flakiness as this will make the condition worse. Rather, apply a balm or petroleum jelly and leave them to heal on their own.
Remedy #3: go for plant-based oils & moisturizers
There are several oils and plant-based solutions that can help heal the chapped lips. You can use almond oil, coconut oil, Aloe Vera gel, or castor oil. These oils have soothing properties and can help heal them fast or even over a few nights.
Coconut oil or almond oil help moisturize the skin thereby helping in the healing process. Aloe Vera is a great ingredient in healing properties. Simply apply a dash of one of these oils on the lips regularly to help heal this condition.
Using honey, rose petals and milk cream can also help in healing the chapped lips. Honey is anti-inflammatory and has antibacterial properties. You can apply a bit of honey, leave it there for a few minutes, and rinse it off with lukewarm water. You can mix a bit of honey with glycerin and apply on the lips.
If you have rose flowers in your garden then you can use them to heal this chapping. Simply take a few rose petals, rinse them, and soak them in milk or glycerin. Mash the mixture to form a thick paste and apply the paste.
Milk cream is another good moisturizer that you can use at home. Simply apply milk cream on the lips, let it rest for a few minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water.
If you have some cucumbers in the kitchen then you can use them. Cucumbers have some water and caffeic acid, which is an antioxidant. Take a slice of cucumber and let it rest on them for about 10-15 minutes. After that, you can apply Vaseline or a dab of almond oil.
Olive oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed are other alternatives that you can consider trying out.
Tips to consider for chapped lips remedies
- Consider wearing a scarf or ski mask that covers your mouth from the elements. This will prevent the risk of having this problem.
- Go for a lip balm with SPF and use it throughout the year. The skin here is sensitive. Therefore, it’s advisable to protect it using a balm with SPF.
- Avoid habits such as biting or peeling the flaky skin. This will irritate the chapped lips leads to a more severe condition.
- Pay attention to how they respond to the remedy. Whereas most plant-based solutions are effective, there are instances where your lips may repel the remedy. For instance, there are people who cannot use eucalyptus as it leads to more irritation. Therefore, be alert and check how they respond to the remedy.
- Try using a balm that is unscented to avoid the temptation to lick your lips. If apply a strawberry scented balm, it gives you the urge to just lick-away the balm, then you can consider unscented types, or wax-free vegan balms such as Aubrey Organics, or Eco lips.
- Remember to hydrate. Drink lots of water to help the skin, and the lips to get enough moisture. Your body needs water to repair the damaged lips.
- Go for organic, unprocessed honey, if you choose to go for honey as a remedy for dry, chapped, lips.
- If you try the remedies and the symptoms persist, then you should consider contacting a dermatologist for advice on treatment options. Also, persistent chapped lips could be as a result of more serious conditions in the body. Best be careful.
- Use a humidifier in winter. Turn on the humidifier at night to keep you warm. This will protect them from chapping.
References:
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/322474-possible-conditions-for-chronic-chapped-lips/
- http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/best-worst-lip-balms/p96092/page6
- http://www.vaseline.us/skin-health-care/how-to-get-rid-of-chapped-lips.html
- Gabriel Julie. Holistic Beauty from the Inside Out: Your Complete Guide to Natural Health, Nutrition, and Skincare, Seven Stories Press, 2013