Sundaymail Editor
OUR lips do not contain oil glands like other parts of our body, so they are highly susceptible to becoming dry. Lack of wetness extends the dryness underneath and causes chapped lips.
Apart from the environmental exposures, habitual licking, consumption of spicy foods, chemical ingredients in cosmetics, vitamin deficiencies and certain medical conditions also contribute to dry lips.
Even though the problem is harmless and heals on its own, it is quite worrying. Lip balms are typically prescribed to get rid of dry lips. Various do-it-yourself remedies are also available to get relief and cure chapped lips.
Exfoliate the lips
The chapped lips are covered with dry skin containing dead cells. This prevents the healing ingredients in lip balms and other coolants from reaching the new skin underneath. So you should exfoliate or remove the dry skin in your cracked lips with lip scrubs available in the market.
While purchasing lip scrubs, look for the ingredients that soothe and hydrate our lips. If you prefer homemade lip scrubs, then follow this: Mix lemon juice and honey in a 1:1 ratio and stir it well. Apply this mixture over your lips and leave it for at least 10 minutes before peeling off the dry skin.
Coconut oil
The essential fatty lipids in coconut oil fix cracks and water loss in the top layer of the skin. It means the oil helps in moisturising the lips.
Moreover, the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties along with minerals and vitamins provide your skin with resilience to fight against bacterial infection.
To put it simply, coconut oil is a powerful moisturising agent. It also boosts the barrier functionalities of your skin. Apply pure coconut oil on the lips throughout the day. Use your finger or a cotton swab to rub oil on your lips.
Honey
It has been used as a natural remedy for skin problems for centuries as it is a good source of moisturising agents. It has wound healing properties. It contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties that aid in preventing infection. It is a mild exfoliator as well as a moisturiser to provide you relief from chapped lips. Use your finger or cotton swab to dab honey on your lips.
Aloe vera gel
The gel present in aloe vera is well known for its soothing properties and it is recommended for treating common dental problems like canker sores, et cetera.
It is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that make the gel an effective remedy in preventing the progression of chapped lips. When you apply the gel, it helps in peeling off the dead cells while moisturising your dry lips.
Cucumber
It is effective in treating dry lips. You can massage your lips with a slice of cucumber or extract its juice and apply it over the lips. Otherwise, grind some cucumber slices and dab the paste on the lips to hydrate them.
Green tea
Dentists recommend green tea to promote teeth and gum health. The antioxidants and other compounds in green tea are powerful in fighting oral bacteria.
So it is recommended for our oral cavity’s well-being. Besides preventing cavities, reducing bad breath and reducing inflammation in gums, green tea helps in humidifying our lips.
Use a steeped green tea bag to rub it on the dry lips. On the other hand, dab green tea directly to the lips after allowing the fluid to cool.
Cocoa butter
Apply a small amount of cocoa butter on your lips and leave it on overnight. Alternatively, you can use shea butter and leave it on overnight.
If you plan to use peanut butter, yogurt or buttermilk, just leave it on your lips for 5-10 minutes and then rinse it off. Leaving these on overnight will ruin your pillow covers. You can repeat every day for a few days.
Sugar method
The coarse granules of sugar are excellent for exfoliating your chapped lips. Scrubbing your lips with sugar can help you get rid of the top layer of dry and flaky skin. As a result, your lips will become soft and supple.
Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly forms a protective layer on the lips and rehydrates the skin to speed up the renewal process. As the jelly seeps into the inner layers of the skin, the surface skin gets smoother. — Wires.
Online Reporter