Lip Service: Healing Chapped Lips

Skin Worship: Healing Dry Skin

Suncare 101

By: Karen Barrow

Winter can be idyllic: white snow blankets the ground, children bundle up to play outside and couples cuddle in front of a fireplace. But as the winter winds whip, and the arid heat indoors becomes too much, your lips can peel and crack.
Chapped lips are caused by overexposure to wind, sun or dry conditions in any season, but winter is especially troublesome. As tempting as licking your lips can be when they feel like a desert, the saliva will quickly evaporate, leaving your chapped lips feeling even worse.

The best way to care for your aching lips, according to the National Institutes of Health, is to protect them from the elements:

Use a non-flavored lip balm, petroleum jelly or even a skin moisturizer to heavily coat the lips. These products help to both moisturize the lips and prevent them from drying out.
Avoid flavored lip-balms. They can be more fun and certainly taste better, but also give you an excuse to keep licking your lips, making them wear off quickly.
Remove the dead skin by rubbing a wet, warm washcloth over your lips to gently loosen the flakes. You may need to do this more than once as your lips heal.
To prevent lips from becoming chapped in the first place, the best offense is a good defense:

Apply an unflavored lip balm with sunscreen whenever you go out.
Wear scarves or jackets that block the wind from getting to your lips.
Use a humidifier to moisturize the air in your home, helping to prevent both dry lips and skin.
For women, wear glossy lipstick, as matte lipstick may dry out the lips.

In some cases, ill-fitting dentures can also cause lips to dry out. If you suspect that this is the source of the problem, see a dentist to get a proper fit.

http://womens_health.healthology.com...edlips&spg=FLA

I have had sever chapped lips since I can remember. Just this year I discovered HEMPZ Herbal Lip Balm. I use just a tiny bit and it's good for all day use, even under lipstick. It has no flavor or smell. It's great!!

Wow! Sounds like a great tip!!! I'll try it next time my lips are chapped!!!

There's an old cowboy trick..... kiss a horses butt........ it'll stop you licking your lips!!!

On a serious note, try Elizabeth Arden's lip balm, or Nivea care for lips both are very good!

Wow!!!! what a great tips you got there...I always experience chapped lips, especially when its cold...Thank you so for sharing this.

Chapped lips means ChapStick for me!

Great tips! Thanks!

I use chapsticks or the vaseline lip therapy.

I like to put Vaseline on my lips before bed, it helps to keep them from getting chapped. I also like some of Sally Hansen's lip products for use in the day time.

blistex does wonders for me - as does lip ice.