Say goodbye to dry, flaking lips with these tried-and-true home remedies for chapped lips.
Heal and soothe them naturally.
The soothing moisture it brings just hits the spot, especially during cold nights and winter months.
But why then, do you sometimes find yourself needing the product more as you use it more?
If youre curious about how to cure chapped lips fast, read on.
When is it helpful (and unhelpful) to apply lip balm?
board-certified dermatologist and advisor forHyaestic
First, the burning question: Why are lips so prone to getting chapped?
Lip balm can help to counteract the drying effects of these triggers.
However, when and how often you apply it matters.
Right when you wake up andbefore you go to bed, absolutely, Dr. Colombo says.
She explains that when your mouth opens as you sleep, the air can dry out your lips.
At the same time, you’re able to overdo lip balm use.
That can lead to worse chapped lips and evencracked lip corners.
While it sounds nice and relaxing, it could actually be the culprit behind your dehydrated, itchy lips.
Other dermatologists agreethese ingredients are gold.
board-certified dermatologist and advisor forHyaestic
Shea butter is great because it seals in that much-desired hydration, she says.
Beeswax can hydrate, nourish, and protect.
Petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, can retain and lock in moisture.
Unlike some other store-bought balms or home remedies, they can both treatandprevent chapped lips.
Rather stick with a home remedy?
And theres good reason to reach for these options rather than buy another lip balm at the drug store.
Here are five ways how to fix chapped lips without falling into the neverending lip balm cycle.
Both of these are also anti-inflammatory, which could help reduce painful swelling in the lips when theyre chapped.
Honey also may provide relief for cracked lips that have an increased risk of infection, she adds.
It also can moisturize the lips and exfoliate the lips by removing dead skin from the surface.
Fortunately, exfoliants can easily be made at home.
However, you dontneedthe sugar.
Honey can actually be a mild exfoliator itself, Dr. Colombo adds.
She encourages exfoliating as needed, but especially when you first notice chapped lips and dry skin.
Once a week is a good rule of thumb, she says.
Try petroleum jelly
A petroleum jelly likeVaselinecan keep your lips moisturized without irritating the skin.
Its easy to keep a jar next to your bed or in your purse for after meals.
Plus, its pretty inexpensive.
Apply some aloe vera
Yep, its not just for sunburn!
It locks in moisture in your skin, which helps with soothing and healing, Dr. Colombo says.
Its also anti-inflammatory, she adds, so its great for sensitive skin, like chapped lips.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.