How to Prevent Chapped Lips

Keeping your lips hydrated is an ongoing battle, especially in winter. If you live in an area with harsh weather, you’ll inevitably face chapped lips throughout the season. However, you can avoid this discomfort by moisturizing, protecting your lips from external factors, and avoiding certain products and foods. Combining these methods will help heal your lips.

Drink plenty of water. When you don’t drink enough water, your body becomes dehydrated. Dehydration dries out your skin, including your lips. Aim for 8 glasses of water per day to prevent dry lips.

Use a humidifier. Dry air can cause skin to lose moisture, while humid air helps to keep it hydrated. Dry conditions can be particularly troublesome in winter, so consider placing a humidifier in your bedroom to prevent your skin and lips from drying out.

Use cucumber. Cucumbers have hydrating properties for the lips. Simply slice a few pieces of cucumber and hold them against your lips for 5 to 10 minutes.

Use aloe vera. Dry lips can lead to cracks, and aloe vera can help heal them. Additionally, it can soothe pain caused by chapped lips. Apply pure aloe vera gel to your lips several times a day.

Use treatments or lip balms with ceramides. Our lips naturally have a protective barrier to retain moisture, but weather and food can sometimes strip away that protection. Ceramide-based treatments help restore this barrier, preventing chapped lips.

Use hydrocortisone cream. If your lips are in a bad state and other methods haven't helped, try applying hydrocortisone cream a few times a day. However, this should not be used for extended periods—only for about a week to help heal and restore healthy lips.

• The best time to apply this cream is in the evening when you're no longer eating or drinking.
• Excessive use of hydrocortisone or corticosteroid creams may lead to perioral dermatitis – small pimples around the mouth area.

Apply moisturizer in the morning. When you wake up in the morning, apply moisturizing cream to kickstart the hydrating process for the entire day.

Don’t lick your lips. You may instinctively lick your lips when they feel dry, but this actually worsens the condition as saliva dries out your lips even more.

Avoid unnatural products. When choosing lip balm, avoid those with artificial colors and scents. Natural oils like shea butter and coconut oil provide the best moisture for your lips.

Avoid citrus fruits. The acid in citrus fruits will make your lips even drier, so refrain from consuming them if your lips are in bad condition.

Stop eating spicy foods. Just like citrus fruits, spicy foods can irritate your lips, especially if they contain acid like in spicy chicken wings. You should avoid these foods if your lips are dry.

Avoid exfoliating products with salicylic acid. These can dry out your lips, making the condition worse.

Check the medication you're taking. If your lips have been dry for an extended period, it might be due to the medication you’re using. For example, high blood pressure medication can cause dry lips. However, you should not stop your medication because of chapped lips—ask your doctor to prescribe an alternative that won’t dry out your lips.

Switch toothpaste. Some toothpastes, especially those with unnatural ingredients, can irritate your lips. This irritation can lead to chapped lips over time.

Wear a scarf. A scarf not only keeps your neck and chest warm, but it can also protect your lips if you wrap it around your mouth. Wind is a major cause of chapped lips, so blocking it helps shield your lips.

Use lip balm daily. Regularly apply lip balm with natural ingredients, especially during the winter. Lip balm not only moisturizes but also protects your lips from external factors.

• However, avoid overusing lip balm, as it may lead to perioral dermatitis – small pimples around the mouth. Apply lip balm once or twice a day.

Apply lip balm before washing your face. You often use face cleansers that exfoliate or remove oil, but these can be harmful to your lips. Protect them by applying lip balm before washing your face. The oil in the balm will help defend against the cleanser’s effects.

Use sunscreen. Apply lip sunscreen or choose lip balm with SPF 15 or higher. This will protect your lips from the sun, which can dry them out.

• Place a wet green tea bag on your lips for about 10 to 15 minutes to hydrate them, then apply Vaseline or coconut oil. Avoid using matte lipstick or similar products on your lips.
• You can apply petroleum jelly at night before bed to moisturize your lips for hours after waking up.
• Always keep lip balm in your purse or bag and apply it regularly. Choose a lip balm that provides long-lasting moisture.
• Coconut oil is also a great option for lip care.
• If your lips are frequently chapped, consult a doctor. You may have a fungal infection around the mouth or be allergic to a particular product.