The cold,dry, outdoor air combined with indoor heating can cause your lips to become severely dried out and chapped. Add in harsh winds to a cold day and your lips are at a higher risk for ending up chapped, dry, cracked, and red. Though chapped lips are common during the dry winter months, that doesn’t mean you have to wait for spring to have supple, smooth lips. The delicate skin of your lips needs extra care during winter to stay hydrated, so use these tips to keep your lips hydrated and supple this winter.
Combat Chapped Lips
Lip Balm
Make a habit of using a hydrating lip balm daily. Reapply throughout the day as necessary and once before going to sleep. A lot of people sleep with their mouths open which can dry out the lips.
There are many lip balms to choose from, so you may need to experiment and find what works best for you or ask your dermatologist for suggestions. We recommend products that use petroleum jelly or shea butter to lock in moisture and heal cracks.
Hydrate
The most common reason for chapped lips is a lack of moisture. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and lips hydrated.
Don’t Bite
We understand that dry lips can cause flaking and peeling which may be uncomfortable, but it’s best not to bite or pick at the peeling skin. This can irritate your lips more leading to cracks, splits, bleeding, and sores. Instead, use a heavy ointment-based balm to heal your lips.
Don’t Bite
We understand that dry lips can cause flaking and peeling which may be uncomfortable, but it’s best not to bite or pick at the peeling skin. This can irritate your lips more leading to cracks, splits, bleeding, and sores. Instead, use a heavy ointment-based balm to heal your lips.
We also recommend using a humidifier in your home, especially at night, if your house is dry from the heat. Don’t forget to cover your lips when you bundle up to brace for the cold outside!
Try to add these lip care tips as part of your morning, bedtime, and outdoor routines to fight off chapped lips this winter. For more information on chapped lips or to schedule a consultation, contact Dermgroup NYC today.
