Chapped lips can be painful and simply unappealing to look at. Since the skin on our lips are thin and offer little protection to the mucous membrane under, water is easily lost. Combine this with an arid climate and you get perpetually dry lips.
Another cause is lip licking. You might think that you are moisturizing your lips, but it actually eats away at the skin.
Your dry lips may also be caused by your lip balm. Lip balms with menthol, mint, and fragrance will irritate the skin and dry it out further. Matte lipsticks will also cause dry lips.
If you have stopped using these products and still have chapped lips, your diet might be an issue. Dehydration and vitamin B deficiency can cause dryness.
To get rid of your dry lips for good, first start by exfoliating them. This will remove flakiness and create a smooth base for your lip balm. You can buy a lip scrub or use a damp towel to exfoliate. Next, use an emollient balm to cover your lips. This will trap the moisture and prevent drying. A good idea is to apply balm at night before sleeping. Some recommended lip balms are Vaseline, Chapstick, and Paula’s Choice Lip & Body Treatment Balm. You’ll be sure to wake up with softer, less painful lips!
