Dry chapped lips can be caused by a number of things from nutritional deficiencies to cold winter temperatures. Chapped lips are not only embarrassing, but uncomfortable as well. Depending on how chapped your lips are, you may also experience pain and tightness in the lip area.
Remedies
Although there are lip balms that can help treat your chapped lips, these products often contain harsh and unnecessary ingredients. You can heal your chapped lips using natural ingredients that are much less expensive than drug store products. Here are some of the best home remedies for chapped lips.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most versatile and useful oils you can have in your home. Its moisturizing properties far surpass any lip balm you will find on the market today. To get rid of chapped lips, simply dab a few drops of the oil onto your lips several times each day, or whenever your lips feel dry.
You can also create your own homemade lip balm with coconut oil, honey and olive oil. Mix together:
1. 1 tbsp. of coconut oil
2. 3/4 tsp. honey
3. 1 tbsp. olive oil
Store the balm in a sealed container and use whenever your lips are feeling dry.
Honey
Honey is a powerful humectant with medicinal properties. Not only is it a powerful moisturizer, but it can also facilitate healing as well. If your lips are chapped and cracked, the antibacterial properties of honey can help prevent an infection and restore your lip’s lost moisture.
To use, simply dap a few drops of honey on your lips whenever they are feeling dry. Use either your finger or a cotton swab. Apply an extra dose just before bed to speed up healing.
Cucumber
Did you know that a cucumber is mostly water? Although it’s been used to reduce eye puffiness, cucumber can also be used to cure your chapped lips.
Cucumber is high in ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which helps stimulate the production of collagen. This is what gives your lips their full, plump appearance. Because cucumbers are 90% water, they also help moisturize parched lips. Finally, cucumbers contain caffeic acid, which is an antioxidant that prevents free radicals and protects your lips from sun damage.
Take one slice of cucumber and allow it to soak into your lips for approximately 15 minutes.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera has been used for centuries to help soothe and heal skin ailments. From sunburns to psoriasis, infections and abrasions, Aloe Vera can cure it all. It’s no wonder that this miracle skin plant is also used to treat chapped lips.
The moisturizing properties of Aloe Vera are fantastic, and will help heal your chapped lips quickly. Simply dab the gel on your lips several times each day, or whenever your lips are feeling dry.
Vaseline
Vaseline can help heal your chapped lips and restore the moisture your lips have lost. Vaseline is a petroleum jelly that coats your lips with oil and prevents moisture loss. Essentially, it locks in the moisture in your lips and prevents it from escaping.
As the Vaseline is absorbed into your lips, it helps to protect them and repair them. Rather than restoring moisture, Vaseline helps your lips naturally hydrate themselves. This is a remedy that’s generally safe, but some people may experience an adverse reaction to Vaseline. If you experience a rash or stinging sensation on your lips, discontinue use and see a doctor. For best results, apply the Vaseline to a small area of the skin first to check for an allergic reaction.
Red Rose Petals
Red rose petals will not only treat your chapped lips, but also make them pink. Rose petals have been used for centuries to help heal skin ailments and enhance beauty.
To heal your chapped lips, soak a handful of red rose petals in milk in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, blend the petals and milk together to create a paste. Apply the paste to your lips three times per day, especially at night. Keep the paste refrigerated in a sealed jar and use within one week. You can also apply the paste to your face to make your skin glow.
Almond Oil
Almond oil is a great source of vitamin E and acts as an excellent moisturizer for both your skin and your lips. Apply a few drops to your lips whenever they feel dry, or several times per day. The oil will heal your chapped lips and keep them hydrated. Almond oil can be purchased in any health food store or online.
Chapped Lips Do’s and Don’ts
Do not peel the dry dead skin from your lips.
Do drink plenty of water to keep your skin and body hydrated.
Avoid licking your lips excessively. This will exacerbate the problem.
DoDo incorporate vitamin A foods into your diet, such as green leafy vegetables, carrots and tomatoes.
