From lip balm to lip sunscreen: Here are 7 ways to get rid of chapped lips during winter

Lipstick is a popular accessory for ladies, and for good reason. They instantly tint your lips, giving you a gorgeous appearance in a matter of minutes. However, it is annoying when you apply lipstick and it does not properly set on your lips because of dry and chapped skin. Isn’t it? To add to our woes, winter exacerbates these lip issues. The skin may start to peel off, and the chilly weather and winds have a tendency to make lips chapped and dry. So, how to get rid of chapped lips? Let’s find out.

Causes of chapped lips during winter

Winter is known for cold and dryness. Additionally, the hot air in homes and the cold air outside can lead to dry and flaky lips. Dr Neha Sharma, Dermatologist at Estique Clinic in Gurugram, spoke to Health Shots about the causes and treatment for chapped lips.

“Chapped lips can be caused by a variety of factors, the most common of which are cold, dry weather, sun damage, and lip licking. A lack of nutrients is another common cause of chapped lips,” she says. Since the lips are one of the most sensitive parts of the body, they require special care and protection.

Here are 6 ways to take care of your chapped lips:

1. Use non-irritating lip balms

Camphor, eucalyptus, flavourings including cinnamon, citrus, mint and peppermint, fragrance, lanolin, menthol, octinoxate, phenol, propyl gallate, and salicylic acid are some of the components in lip balms that might irritate the lips. If there is any burning or stinging sensation after applying lip balm, it is extremely important to discontinue it. Instead, use DIY lip balms. Additionally, make sure you are not utilizing any outdated lip products.

2. Petroleum jelly

Use lip balms that contain soothing agents like ceramides, dimethicone, petrolatum, shea butter, and white petroleum jelly. Use an ointment form, preferably white petroleum jelly, if your lips are extremely dry. This is a fantastic way to keep your lips moist. Your lips will stay soft and smooth because it also improves the skin barrier and stops moisture from evaporating.

3. Lip sunscreen

The best thing you can do for your lips is to use a moisturizing SPF lip balm. Dr Sharma says, “Use sun protective agents like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in your lip care regime. Reapply after every 3 hours.” To avoid picking at the chapped or dry skin on your lips, exfoliate them with natural products like sugar, honey, or orange peel in addition to applying lip sunscreen.

4. Drink water

Your body and lips become dry, dull, and chapped due to factors like environmental pollution and dry air. So make sure to drink lots of water to keep your lips moist. Regardless of the season, you should still make an effort to drink at least 7-8 glasses of water each day, whether it’s summer or winter.

5. Stop licking your lips

Put an end to picking, biting, and lip-licking. When our lips are dry, it may seem natural to lick them, but when the saliva disappears, the lips become even more parched. It could even result in hyperpigmentation of lips. Just use a lip balm instead of licking your lips!

Also read: Chapped lips? Stay calm, and use ghee instead of a lip balm

6. Use ghee

Ghee can instantly moisturise and nourish your lips, and restore them to their normal form. It can aid in keeping the skin lubricated and hydrated for a longer time, keeping it smooth.

7. Humidifier

Use a humidifier in the room if the air is particularly dry and cold around you. The usage of a humidifier helps heal and prevent chapped lips by preventing dry air.