How to keep your lips soft and moisturized

Dry, cracked lips are not only unattractive but also painful. Fortunately, maintaining healthy, hydrated lips is simple once you know which products to use and which bad habits to avoid. Drink more water, apply moisturizing creams and lip balms, and exfoliate occasionally to keep your lips plump and smooth. Additionally, minimize exposure to dry environments and avoid licking your lips to preserve moisture.

Drink more water. One of the most effective ways to prevent dry, damaged lips is to ensure your body stays hydrated from the inside out. Aim to drink at least 2 liters (about 8 cups) of water daily. Additionally, proper hydration will make your lips appear fuller.

• Carry a water bottle or thermos to have water throughout the day.
• Staying hydrated benefits not only your lips but also your overall health.
• Decaffeinated coffee, fruit juices, and other drinks can also contribute to your daily water intake. Avoid caffeinated beverages and those high in sodium, as they can dry out your lips.

Use a humidifier. A humidifier releases moisture into the air, which can be incredibly beneficial if you live in a dry climate, both indoors and outdoors. Simply turn it on and let it run for a few hours each day, and soon you'll notice your lips improving.

• Humidifiers typically cost between 1 to 1.6 million, but their benefits are well worth it.

Apply almond oil, coconut oil, or shea butter, all completely natural. Dab a little oil on your fingertip and apply it directly to your lips. These fatty oils are great natural lip moisturizers, as they help lock in moisture, soften, and give your lips a healthy, glossy appearance. For best results, apply oil to your lips 2-3 times a day.

• Almond oil is minimally allergenic, making it safe for all skin types to use from head to toe.
• The high levels of vitamin A and E in organic oils have anti-aging properties that will help your lips look younger when used regularly. If you want a thicker product, you can try pure vitamin E oil.

Use cucumber slices to restore necessary moisture. Slice a cucumber into thin pieces, lie down, and place the slices over both lips, or apply cucumber directly to your lips. In just a few minutes, your lips will absorb the cucumber's water, which provides hydration and nutrients that will last all day.

• You can also use cucumber for your skincare routine every night.
• Using fruit slices can also soothe discomfort from cracked or sunburned lips.

Choose a lip balm to prevent dryness. Look for products that are formulated with nourishing additives like shea butter, vitamin E, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. These ingredients enhance the natural protective layer on your lips to block out drying agents and prevent moisture loss.

• A high-quality moisturizing lip balm will also make your lips softer, smoother, and less sensitive to wind and cold weather.
• Avoid balms that contain camphor or menthol essential oils, as these can make your lips drier and cause a stinging sensation if your lips are irritated.

Choose a lip scrub product. Exfoliating products will help remove the dry, peeling skin on your lips, leaving only healthy tissue behind. It's good practice to exfoliate your lips every few days or as needed. This is especially important during the colder months when harsh weather can damage your lips.

• Most cosmetic and skincare stores sell lip scrubs.
• You can also make your own scrub using ingredients like sea salt, brown sugar, honey, and olive or coconut oil.

Be mindful of using lip sunscreen. You may not realize this, but your lips are just as prone to sun damage as other parts of your body. Fortunately, many lip balms and lipsticks now contain sunscreen. Make sure to apply these products before heading to the beach or going for a walk in the afternoon.

• Reapply sunscreen lip balm every few hours as directed. Be sure to read the full instructions on the product's label.
• Most sunscreens for lips have an SPF 15 protection level.

Use moisturizing products after applying matte lipstick. Matte lipstick tends to dry out the surface of your lips to help the color stay longer. To avoid your lips becoming a "desert," it's best to use moisturizing lipsticks whenever possible, or alternate between matte and moisturizing formulas to restore lost hydration between applications.

• Shea butter, vitamin E, coconut oil, and jojoba oil are some of the best ingredients for treating lips dehydrated by matte lipstick.
• If you can't leave the house without wearing matte lipstick, consider applying a thin layer of moisturizing balm on your lips first to create a protective barrier.

Stop licking your lips. Using your tongue to wet your lips may provide temporary relief, but it can actually cause more harm over time. The digestive enzymes in saliva gradually break down the protective layer of sensitive lip skin.

• Always keep a moisturizing lip balm nearby. You’ll be less likely to lick your lips after just applying a fresh layer of balm.
• Opt for flavorless lip balms, as flavored ones might make you want to lick your lips more.

Be cautious with spicy or sour foods. The acids in a spicy chicken wing dish or a glass of orange juice can affect your lips almost instantly. If consumed in excess, spicy and sour flavors may cause pain and cracking on your lips. Greasy foods are the main culprits, as the oily residue can be difficult to wipe off.

• Whenever possible, use utensils like straws or forks; eat carefully to minimize food from touching the area around your lips.
• Lip care products made from natural ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera can help soothe irritated lips.

Breathe through your nose. If you haven't been doing this already, try to breathe in and out through your nose rather than your mouth. The airflow around your lips can dry them out quickly. Lipstick also tends to stay intact better if you keep your mouth closed instead of constantly opening and closing it.

• If you must breathe heavily through your mouth during exercise, try opening your mouth slightly to prevent your lips from puckering when you exhale.
• Breathing through your mouth is a habit to avoid, as it leads to many negative consequences, including dry mouth, teeth grinding, and drooling on your pillow while sleeping. Yikes!
• If you can't stop breathing through your mouth, make an appointment with an ENT specialist. You may have a deviated septum.

Protect your lips in cold weather. Winter weather is notoriously harsh on your lips. If you must be outdoors, wrap a scarf around your neck or wear a high-collared coat to cover the lower part of your face. This will not only protect your lips but also keep you warm and comfortable.

• Covering your body is especially important when walking in biting winds or staying outside for extended periods.

• Feel free to apply lip balm as needed. The key to keeping your lips soft and moisturized is preventative care.
• Keep lip balm in various places, like on your bedside table, in your purse, in drawers, or in the glove compartment of your car, so you can apply it whenever needed.
• If your lips are severely chapped, you may need to switch to products containing ceramides. These wax-like molecules can help strengthen your lips' natural protective barrier.

• Chronic dry, cracked lips may result from allergic reactions to chemicals found in toothpaste, chewing gum (cinnamon-flavored gum can cause mouth irritation), perfumes, cosmetics, and other hygiene products. If you have tried all the remedies listed above without success, it may be time to visit a dermatologist.