Chapped lips, a mild form of cheilitis (inflamed lips) isn’t something you run to the doctor for. There are tons of products on the market, but not all of them are free of harmful ingredients and some people have allergic reactions to some of the chemicals used. Luckily, curing chapped lips is easy enough with a few simple home remedies.
Moisturize
Starting from the inside out, it is important to ensure your body receives the moisture it needs. Particularly in the very young and elderly, chapped lips can be a sign of dehydration. Be sure you’re getting plenty to drink -- preferably water and especially during arid times of the year.
Dry indoor conditions caused by a constant heater or from breathing through your mouth make chapped lips worse. Running a humidifier in your house can help introduce more moisture into the air, especially while sleeping. Your lips will soak it up like a sponge, and it may even reduce the frequency of chapped lips in the future.
Keep a good balm on your lips, especially when you’re outside, until the chapping passes. Oil based products are generally best because your lips don’t have the oil glands the rest of your skin does. Aloe vera, vitamin E, and lanolin are also good options.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating the skin of your lips makes it easier for new skin cells to replace dry, dead cells. Many products come with an exfoliant included in the gloss or balm, but if the other ingredients it contains only aggravate your lips, that is not going to do much good.
Try making your own out of sugar and a natural oil (olive, almond, and coconut all work great). Mix about 1 cup of sugar to ½ cup of oil. You can even add a few drops of an essential oil like tea tree or lavender, which can help clear out bacteria and ease inflammation. Some sources also recommend a 2:1 sugar/honey blend. Gently rub it on your lips and rinse with lukewarm water (hot water dries your skin out). Not only will the sugar lightly remove dead cells, the oil will stick to your skin and provide a natural moisturizer.
Healing Don’ts
While you’re waiting for your skin to heal, there are a few things you can avoid doing to help cure chapped lips. When your lips get dry, licking them seems like a good idea. It adds moisture, right? Actually, the tongue acts as another irritant and makes matters worse. Similarly, trying to pick off any cracked or peeling skin also makes matters worse, deepening cuts and opening portals for infection.
Avoid foods that are spicy or salty and acidic beverages like orange juice, as these can increase irritation and promote swelling. If you think you might be having an allergic reaction, try laying off any lip products you use on a constant basis, avoid chapsticks with fragrances, and check the ingredients in your toothpaste. If you experience no change for your chapped lips, it might be time to talk to a dermatologist about what’s going on.
