Dry, cracked lips are often a symptom of colder weather, but you don’t have to live with them all winter! He are dermatologists’ tips for healing dry, chapped lips:
- Use non-irritating lip balm and lipstick.
Many people mistake discomfort, such as burning, stinging, or tingling, as a sign that the active ingredients in a product are working. That’s not what’s happening. You’re actually irritating your lips, so you want to stop using any product that irritates your lips.
- Look for key ingredients.
When looking for products to use on your chapped lips, dermatologists recommend ones that contain one or more of the following: castor seed oil, ceramides, dimethicone, hemp seed oil, mineral oil, petrolatum, shea butter, sun-protective ingredients — such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide — or white petroleum jelly.
- Apply a non-irritating lip balm (or lip moisturizer) several times a day and before bed.
f your lips are very dry and cracked, try a thick ointment, such as white petroleum jelly. Ointment seals in water longer than waxes or oils. Slather on a non-irritating lip balm with SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors. Even in the winter, it’s important to protect your lips from the sun. The sun can burn dry, chapped lips more easily, which could trigger cold sores.
- Drink plenty of water.
Chapped lips are dry lips, so you want to stay hydrated.
- Stop licking, biting, and picking at your lips.
When lips feel dry, it may feel natural to wet them by licking them, but this can worsen the problem. As saliva evaporates, your lips become drier.
- Plug in a humidifier at home.
A humidifier in your bedroom can be especially helpful, especially if you breathe through your mouth at night.
Central Texas Dermatology carries a variety of lip care products that can be purchased through our online store, including staff favorite Image Ormedic Lip Enhancement Complex.