Bedtime Regiment: It’s important to give your facial products time to be absorbed prior to hitting the sack. As you move around, throughout the night, ingredients found in your products such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can end up on your lips – causing irritation. Give your skin 5 – 10 minutes to absorb the products on your face prior to going to sleep.
Exfoliate Your Lips: Just like you exfoliate your face with scrubs; it’s important to do the same with your lips. However, keep in mind that your lips are much more sensitive than your face because they don’t have oil glands or hair follicles. Once a week, before bedtime, use a clean toothbrush and gently brush over your lips to remove dead skin.
Liberally Use Lip Balm: Find a lip balm that works for you. Some fragrances, artificial coloring, hydrators like lanolin and beeswax can be problematic for some people – it’s important to remember your own allergies and take them into account when you’re choosing a lip balm for daily use. Safe ingredients that you may want to consider are petrolatum, glycerin and dimethicone. Also, if you use lipstick or lip stain on a frequent basis you’ll want to find a balm that has the ability to go over your shade.
Lip Licking: A lot of people have a bad habit of licking their lips which leaves your lips dry because of the saliva evaporation. When you feel the urge to lick your lips look to apply a moisturizing lip balm instead.
Humidifier: Using a humidifier, when you sleep can keep your lips and skin moisturized because it replaces the moisture in the air. You’ll also find that using a humidifier can improve your allergies or post nasal drip which in many cases is related to chapped lips.
Drink Up: Regularly drinking water every day will help hydrate from the inside and prevent your lips from getting dry. You’ll also discover that drinking water will also keep your skin moisturized and healthy.
These are just a few of the many remedies that are out there. It’s important to remember that everyone’s lips are different. If after trying these methods you still find your lips are chapped, consult your dermatologist. You could be suffering from an unknown allergic reaction or require a medicated cream to ease your chapped lips.
