The words “chapped lips” are enough to send shivers down any beauty enthusiast’s spine. It doesn’t matter if you’re a lipstick lover or a chapstick aficionado—the thought of your pucker being exposed to the outside world and remaining that way forever is absolutely terrifying.
But, why is our skin so susceptible to chapping in the first place? And how can we prevent it from happening again? There are many possible causes of chapped lips, including dry skin, cold weather, using harsh soaps and toothpaste, and allergies. Some people also get chapped lips as a result of sun exposure or eating foods that contain high levels of salt. Whatever the reason for your chapped lips, here is how to get rid of them and what to do preventively to keep your lips healthy and moisturized.
Upgrade Your Diet
Diet can help with chapped lips in a few ways. First, a diet that is high in moisture can help keep the lips hydrated. Second, a diet that is low in sugar can help reduce the amount of mucous that is produced. Finally, eating foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help fight off the damage caused by free radicals.
Some examples of foods that you should be eating more of include:
- vegetables
- fruits
- nuts
- honey
- beans
- whole grains
- fish
It is important not to forget to drink plenty of water to stay healthy, especially if you have dry skin or lips. Drinking plenty of water can help to keep your skin hydrated and your lips moist, which will help to prevent chapped lips.
Exfoliate Your Lips Regularly
Exfoliating your lips regularly is another great way to remove dry skin and smooth your lips. Lips are the first line of defense against bacteria and pollutants that can enter your mouth. Lip exfoliation helps remove the dead cells and bacteria that build up on the lips, which can lead to bad breath, dryness, and sensitivity. It also helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth. Finally, lip exfoliation can make your lips look smoother and younger.
There are a few methods you can use to achieve lip exfoliation. You can use a lip scrub, a lip balm, or a lip brush. Whichever method you choose, be sure to apply it once a day to cleanse and soften your lips. Remember to avoid using too much pressure when scrubbing or brushing your lips; this could cause damage. If you find that your lips are dry or irritated after using a lip scrub, lip balm, or lip brush, try using a moisturizer or lip balm before bed.
Get A Humidifier
A humidifier is great for helping to maintain healthy skin. One way to keep your lips moisturized and healthy is to increase your skin’s moisture level. A dry skin environment can cause your lips to chap faster, so it’s important to keep your lips hydrated. A humidifier will do this for you and will also help to keep your home from becoming too hot.
If you have a dry skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, a humidifier can help to alleviate any symptoms. If you simply want to keep your lips moisturized and healthy, a humidifier is a great investment.
Take A Magnesium Supplement
Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for overall health and well-being. It is involved in over 300 different bodily processes and helps to maintain strong bones and teeth, regulate blood sugar levels, and support nerve function. Magnesium deficiency is one of the most common mineral deficiencies. It can cause a wide variety of health problems, including chapped lips.
Magnesium can be effective in treating chapped lips because it can increase the production of collagen, which is a key protein in the skin that helps to keep it hydrated and soft. Additionally, magnesium can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation. If you are experiencing chapped lips, adding magnesium to your diet may help to improve your symptoms.
Don’t Lick Your Lips
Licking your lips can be a good way to clean off some of the dead skin that’s on your lips and get rid of some of the germs, but it can also be a bad habit that leads to your lips being chapped more often.
Licking your lips can actually lead to dry, cracked lips. The moisture from your saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips dry and chapped. Plus, saliva contains bacteria, which can make your chapped lips worse. If you really need to lick your lips, try using a lip balm or gloss instead. Licking your lips can help for a very short time, but it will do more harm than good. Instead, make sure you always have a lip balm on hand or any other product that moisturizes the lips.
Summary
You don’t have to go around with chapped lips all the time. You can prevent them from happening by eating the right foods, exfoliating your lips regularly, getting a humidifier, taking supplements, and using lip moisturizers, such as lip balm, instead of licking your lips. If you happen to get a case of chapped lips, don’t stress out! The sooner you treat your lips, the better.
