Common causes of dry, cracked or chapped lips

Dry or cold weather, wind, dehydration, long lasting lipsticks, sun exposure, frequent lip licking ,lip biting, over-exfoliation, reaction to a skin care product, infection are common causes of dry, cracked or chapped lips. Lack of some vitamins or minerals as well. The skin on the lips is thinner and consequently is more prone to dryness. The causes or bad habits as stated above worsen the situation.

Remedies

First of all, try to stop licking or biting  your lips if this is the cause.

 Use a lip balm. A lip balm is a wax- like substance applied to the lips in order to moisturize and offer relief. Usually contains beeswax or carnauba wax. It acts as an occlusive on the surface of the lips to lock the moisture and at the same time protects against any external factors. Dry lips look smaller. A lip balm will plump them.

You may also apply a lip ointment. It has a thicker consistency and gives immediate relief and nourishment to the lips. You may also use a medicated lip balm.

You can also use a lip balm with SPF  especially during the summer or when you are outdoors to protect your lips from sun exposure.

You should avoid any exfoliation of your lips till they will recover.

Never use your fingers to apply your lip balm or ointment unless you washed them very well. Use a cotton bud instead.

Don’t apply a lip balm that contains fragrance. It can further irritate your lips.

Don’t use a tinted lip balm while your lips cracked or chapped. It won’t have a nice effect. Wait until your lips are repaired.

If your skin around the mouth is also irritated, be careful with the active ingredients such retinoids, vitamin C  or hydroxy-acids of your skincare.

Try to drink more water.

Check if your toothpaste is the culprit. Switch to another one to see if things are improved.

Reapply many times per day your lip balm and especially before going to bed.

You need to avoid any long-lasting lipstick till your lips are repaired. Those lipsticks generally dehydrate the lips.

When you do your skincare, take care of your lips as you do for the rest of your face. Don’t neglect them. You may use the most expensive lipstick, the most beautiful lipstick colour, it won’t have any effect if your lips are dehydrated.

In case that you have a burning sensation or you feel uncomfortable when you use a product, discontinue the use. It means that there is an ingredient or more that irritate your lips.

My next post will be about the lip balms that I usually apply to my lips and find them very effective.

Special thanks to pexels.com for the free photos download as well as to the creator of this specific photo.