Chapped lips are annoying, painful, and a source of much anxiety for those you have them. It is unfortunate that so many people suffer from chronic chapped lips. So the big question is, how can we get rid of chapped lips? Here are five good tips.
1. Always go for the source of the problem. Very often, those with dried out lips only try to deal with it as an external issue. More often than not, dry lips also have its roots internally as well. This can lead to a lot of prolonged pain and suffering because only part of the problem is being addressed. This would explain why chap sticks often don't work very well if at all for an extended period of time.
2. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration is one of the biggest causes of chapped lips, so it makes sense that we should counter this by replenishing our supply of water daily. Try to avoid foods and beverages that sap water from your system as well. These can include foods high in sodium and sugar like soda, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. These will typically sap water from tissue, and thus will leave you with dryer skin and lips.
3. Avoid licking your lips. This one is difficult to deal with, because it becomes a habit so easily. While licking the lips feels good at first, it will actually worsen the condition of the lips. This is because saliva evaporates quickly from the lips, drying them out further. Not only that, but saliva contains digestive enzymes in it, which will actually break down the protective skin barrier of the lips. Avoid this at all costs!
4. Eating healthier. Chapped lips may be a result of a lack of vitamins in your system. The body needs a regular supply of vitamins A, B, C, E, and Iron to maintain optimal skin health. In fact, a deficiency of Iron can result in anemia. One of the symptoms of anemia is chapped lips. It shouldn't be a surprise that if your diet consists of junk food, that chapping of the lips could occur, among other things.
5. Use a protective emollient on your lips. No, not chap sticks. More often than not, chap sticks will harm the lips and not produce any lasting results or long term protection. Bag Balm or Lansinoh Lanolin is recommended, as these will penetrate deep into the skin and help moisturize from the inside-out, while also protecting the lips from the elements.
That's it for the 5 tips. Hopefully, you now have a few more options you can try in dealing with getting rid of chapped lips.
