Nature to the Rescue: Home Remedies for Chapped Lips + How to Use

Chapped lips are a not-so-pleasant yet common occurrence, especially during dry and cold winter months. Not only are they unappealing, but they can also cause a lot of discomfort and pain. In addition, finding a cure can be a bit tricky, as you don't want to irritate your already delicate lips further.

Thankfully, there are several natural and soothing home remedies to tackle this problem, and in today's guide, we'll share all about them and how you can trade in those chapped, dry-looking lips for softer, smoother, and healthier pout!

But, firstly, here's the deal on why your lips tend to be dry and cracked.

What Causes Chapped Lips?

Chapped lips generally occur due to a lack of oil-producing glands on the lips and the stratum corneum, which is an outer layer of the skin needed to retain moisture.

However, some other factors also contribute to chapped lips, and it's essential to be aware of these triggers. As they say, treating the cause is better than treating the symptoms.

Some of them include:

• Environmental and climate factors such as dry and cold weather,
• Exposure to harmful sun rays,
• Frequent consumption of hot beverages like coffee, tea, etc.,
• Vitamin deficiencies,
• Frequent lip-licking,
• Dehydration,
• Smoking.

So, before you get busy finding a cure for your chapped lips, try eliminating some of these possible triggers first. This may, by itself, already be all the cure you need.

Home Remedies for Chapped Lips

Although lip balms are one of the most popular treatments for dry lips, some of them may contain potential allergens and irritants, like fragrances, artificial flavors, menthol, camphor, and others. So, this is where nature swoops in to save the day with a variety of natural remedies to choose from!

Here are some great home remedies for healing chapped lips:

#1: Honey

Honey acts as a soothing natural remedy for chapped lips. It's highly moisturizing and contains anti-inflammatory properties, relieving pain and discomfort normally associated with dry, cracked lips.

To use, half a teaspoon of honey should do the trick. With clean hands, apply honey to your lips and massage gently; leave it on for as long as you can (so try not to eat anything after applying it for at least half an hour).

Also, honey combined with sugar, a natural exfoliant, makes an effective DIY lip scrub to gently remove dead skin cells on the lips, removing dry, flakey skin and making the absorption of other ingredients easier.

#2: Coconut Oil

Now will be a good time to whip out that coconut oil from your pantry and let it do its magic!

Coconut oil is an emollient and no doubt an effective moisturizing agent. It's rich in fatty acids to restore the moisture level of the lips while providing essential nutrients at the same time.

To use, apply coconut oil with clean hands onto your lips several times a day. You can pair it up with 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil for its healing and moisturizing properties, plus it smells divine!

#3: Aloe Vera

One of nature's gifts for hydration is the aloe plant. Aloe vera is rich in vitamins and minerals and contains healing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties to rehydrate and cure chapped lips.

To use, simply take a small amount of aloe vera gel, either bought or straight from the aloe plant and apply it directly on your lips for about 5 minutes and rinse after.

#4: Cucumber

The cooling and hydrating properties of cucumber are excellent for dry, inflamed lips. Cucumbers are rich in healing compounds, which makes them an excellent treatment when used topically.

For a soothing effect, cut a slice of cold cucumber and press it on your lips. You can do this 2-3 times a day for a refreshing and hydrating effect.

#5: Green Tea

Yes, your green tea doesn't only serve as a nourishing beverage but also works as a great home remedy for chapped lips. The ingredients within green tea contain anti-inflammatory and healing properties that are super-great for your skin.

All you need to do is soak a bag of green tea in warm water, allow it to cool for a bit, then gently place it between your lips or dab it over; whichever method you prefer.

#6: Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly, also known as petrolatum, is one of the most common ingredients found in a range of lip products and different households in the form of Vaseline. Its nourishing and moisturizing functions are beneficial to chapped lips, and it's one of the most simple yet effective remedies for dry lips. It forms a protective layer on the lips to reduce moisture loss and make them smooth.

To use, apply a small amount of petroleum jelly on your lips several times a day and at night before bed.

#7: Shea Butter

Shea butter is a prominent ingredient known for its deeply moisturizing benefits. It's an emollient rich in fatty acids and does a good job of retaining moisture and softening the lips.

To use, scoop a little amount of shea butter with your hands and gently massage it onto your lips till it's fully absorbed. You can also whip up, if you have the will and time, a shea butter lip balm and use it throughout the day.

Preventive Measures to Take to Avoid Chapped Lips

Although chapped lips are caused by things within and beyond our control, focusing on changing certain habits can help keep the condition at bay. Here are some of them below:

Drink Enough Water

One of the many reasons you may be dealing with chapped lips is dehydration. Drinking lots of water might not be your go-to preventive measure, but it's equally as crucial as any topical ingredient applied.

Avoid Lip-Licking

Licking your lips might seem like a quick and easy fix to dry lips. Unfortunately, it's only temporary. When you do so constantly, it only dries out your lips more because saliva evaporates, and when this happens, it can worsen the situation, leaving your lips drier than they were.

Use a Humidifier

Using a humidifier in those rooms you spend most of your time in can make a huge difference, e.g., in the office, living room, or bedroom. Dry air caused by heaters during winters and air conditioning during summers can draw the moisture out of your lips as well. A humidifier can counteract that, as keeping the air humid can restore the lacking moisture levels in your lips and skin and keep them hydrated.

Avoid Using Harsh Ingredients

Using skincare products with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide on your lips can be drying and should be avoided at all costs to prevent further irritation.

Always Moisturize Before Sleep

For well-hydrated and soft lips when you wake up, a great trick is to moisturize at night, before going to bed, to retain and lock in moisture. Petroleum jelly and shea butter are great options for an overnight hydration boost.

Takeaway

Constantly dealing with chapped lips is not only uncomfortable but could take a toll on your self-confidence. After all, there's no way to hide one of the most prominent features of the face.

However, knowing the root causes or potential reasons why your lips are getting dry and cracked is a great step in alleviating the problem. Plus, with these super easy home remedies, you should notice improvements in about 2-3 weeks; but it can also vary.

However, if there are no noticeable results whatsoever, and it feels like the irritation is worsening, it's advisable to see your healthcare practitioner in case of an underlying condition for a proper diagnosis.

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