Dry Chapped Lips - End the Pain

Dry chapped lips are a common complaint. Due to the thin layer of skin that protects them, lips are fragile and sensitive. Cracked, sore lips are not only unsightly and painful, they are susceptible to infection.

Lip Care

The first step is to ensure adequate hydration. The general recommendation is to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Next, pay attention to the two key measures for soft, smooth lips... lip balm and exfoliation.

Lip balms offer everyday protection for your lips. Used on chapped lips, they sooth and speed healing.

But what's in that tiny tube of balm? Since a large portion of what you apply to your lips will end up in your stomach, it’s important to choose a natural lip balm. Who wants to eat a bunch of chemicals?

Popular Natural Lip Balms

Burt's Bees Lip Balm is moisturizing and cooling. Peppermint oil makes it a bit tingly. While most people like this sensation, it may irritate sensitive skin or sting severely chapped lips.

Badger Lip Care, Unscented is largely organic and includes only three simple ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, castor oil, and beeswax. Healing and soothing, this balm is great for dry, cracked lips in addition to everyday protection.

Eco Lips balms are mostly organic, come in a large variety, and are great for sports enthusiasts. Vegan? Choose Eco Lips Bee Free.

Exfoliating Treatment

Exfoliation will really improve your lips. Use a soft-bristled wet toothbrush and a small amount of baking soda or lip balm. Gently massage in a circular motion.

Another option for exfoliation is a lip scrub. You can purchase a pre-made scrub or create your own...

Homemade Lip Scrub

2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil (or almond oil)
1 teaspoon honey

Mix thoroughly.

Gently massage lips with a small amount of scrub. Rinse off and apply a natural lip balm. Do this before bed... you'll be amazed how smooth your lips are in the morning!

Exfoliate two to three times a week.

Folk Remedies from the Kitchen

Help for dry lips can be found in a tea bag. First, soak a tea bag in hot water... black tea is recommended. Next, place the warm bag on your lips for about 5 minutes. Follow with an application of lip balm.

Honey is another old time remedy. A bit of honey applied to lips just before bedtime will soften lips overnight (it's hard not to lick the honey!).

Most cases of dry chapped lips are easy to mend. Keep your lips healthy, smooth, and kiss-friendly by following the simple tips above!