Chapped lips are an annoying problem that many people experience during the colder months of the year. Chapped lips can be uncomfortable and even painful, and can often make it difficult to talk or eat. In this post, we will discuss the causes of chapped lips, how to prevent them, and tips on how to treat them. We will also share some DIY remedies that you can make at home to help soothe your chapped lips. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of how to keep your lips healthy and hydrated all year round!
What Exactly Are Dry, Cracked and Chapped Lips?
Chapped Lips is also popular as Cheilitis / Inflammation of the lips (Scientific Binomial Name), Cracked Lips (Common English), (Unani), Fate honth (Hindi / Urdu), Chapped utatukal (Tamil), Oth fatane (Marathi), (Sanskrit), kate thomta (Bengali), Pagilina pedalu (Telugu), Onagida tutigalannu (Kannada), chapped adharannal(Malayalam), Zuichun ganlie (Chinese), labios agrietados (Spanish), labios rachados (Portuguese), potreskavshiyesya guby (Russian).
What Causes Dry and Cracked Lips?
Your lips are dry, irritated, and cracked. They may be painful or they may itch. Sunburn, winter weather, allergic reactions, fever, or simply licking your lips too often can cause dry lips. Some individuals inadvertently bite the delicate tissues in their cheeks or lips during sleep, or even while chewing or talking. Dehydration and canker sores can also be reason for lip pain. Whether they are responding to cold weather, an arid climate, or are just naturally dry, chapped lips are a pain. Cracking, flaking, and chapping are not only uncomfortable but also unsightly, and lipstick only seems to make the situation worse. You can solve those dry-lips blues with consistency and patience.
How to cure cracked dry lips fast without chapstick?
There are lots of emollient lip products that do just that, and the more emollient they are, the better. Ingredients like lanolin, oils of any kind (including castor oil, lanolin oil, safflower oil, almond oil, and vegetable oil), and shea and cocoa butter are all excellent, especially if they are listed at the beginning of the ingredient list. However, many lip products are little more than waxy coatings that make lips feel thickly protected when they are applied (ChapStick is a great example), but they don’t really moisturize or provide adequate protection from the weather or from the dry heat and air-conditioning you find indoors. Here are some home remedies those not only heals cracked lips but make they look more beautiful and moist. 18 Best chapped lips home remedies to get soft, smooth and pink lips.
Chapped Lips Home Remedies
- DIY Honey Lip Balm: Place 225 ml sweet almond oil and 110 g beeswax in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for about one minute, until the mixture melts. Whisk 2 tbsp honey into the wax. When cool, pour into small containers with lids. Apply to lips as a moisturizer or on top of lipstick for extra shine. This might be a nice present for friends, as the amount you make would take ages to use, or you could halve the quantities. Be very careful with hot beeswax.
- Keep Lips Moist: Rub some avocado on lips to keep them nice and moist.
- Soothe Chapped Lips: Dairy farmers use Bag Balm to keep their cows’ udders soft and comfortable. Humans have found that this product, formulated with lanolin and petrolatum soothes a chapped lips.
- Jojoba for Common Cheilitis: Combine 2 drops of chamomile oil and 2 drops of jojoba oil and apply to lips as needed.
- Lipstick To Treat Dry Effect: When your lips are chapped and dry, take an unpeeled cucumber, wipe it off good, pucker up your lips as if to put on lipstick, then just run the skin surface slowly across them in a back and-forth motion. This does a fairly nice job of lubricating them. Cucumbers have moderate amounts of fat in their skins. Notice the slightly greasy or oily feeling to the skin.
- Another all-natural salve is Burt’s Beeswax Lip Balm, which contains beeswax, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, lanolin, vitamin E, peppermint oil, and comfrey extract.
- Cure Burning Sensation: If lip burning sensation is due to cold sores then using a clean fingertip or gauze, apply the honey to the cold sore five or six times a day. Each time, leave on for 15 minutes and then wash off. Honey has antiviral and wound healing activity. Honey was superior to the drug in reducing pain and crusting and hastening healing time.
- Some people swear by Cloverine salve to relieve chapped lips. It also works on chapped hands.
- Cracks and Crows Feet Healing: Cut the grapes in half and slowly squeeze the juice on the lips. Also rub some of the juice around the corners of the mouth. It is great for getting rid of crow’s feet and the tiny cracks around the edges of the mouth.
- Homemade First-Aid Salve: It is also helpful to heal minor cuts and scrapes as well as chapped and cracked hands. Take calendula flowers, comfrey leaves, St. John’s wort flowers, echinacea leaves and flowers. All herbs must be well dry and taken in equal quantity. For this recipe take all 6 g. Place the herbs in a clean pint size jar. Cover the herbs with extra-virgin olive oil, stir, and add more oil until you have a good 1 inch of oil above the line of the herbs. You can add other oil such as almond, apricot, avocado, or grape seed oil instead of olive oil. Cap tightly. Place in a sunny window for two to four weeks. If the herbs sop up more oil, add extra oil to maintain the 1-inch margin on top. At the end of the steeping period, the oil will have turned a greenish hue. You may also see some red color from the St. John’s wort flowers. Strain the oil. Measure the herbal oil. To thicken the oil to a soft salve consistency, you need one part beeswax. For a firmer consistency, like that of lip balm, use one part beeswax to four parts oil. Put water in the bottom part of a double boiler. Heat to boiling, and then lower the heat to a simmer. Pour the oil into the top of double boiler and add the beeswax. Stir until the beeswax melts, and immediately transfer it to the clean jar and cap tightly. Apply as needed. Store in the refrigerator for up to six months.
- Soft Moisturizer: When you’re alone in the house, olive oil or Crisco will help to soften and moisturize chapped lips quite nicely. In fact, any vegetable shortening will do.
- Home Treatment for Cracked Skin: Yarrow tea and chamomile hand cream is very effective in the treatment of cracked lips. It is also good to treat sore nipples, chapped hands, weathered skin, herpes sores, hives, hemorrhoids and minor bleeding.
- Fight Fungal Infection: If the corners of your mouth are painfully cracked and chapped, you may have a yeast overgrowth. To help clear the yeast, use over-the-counter anti fungal cream available at drug store. Apply it twice a day. If you wear dentures and have this condition, be sure you clean your dentures thoroughly and frequently. Yeast can grow on them and spread by contact to your lips.
- The Ultimate Lip Balm: Both yellow beeswax straight from the hive and the commercially bleached white beeswax are used extensively in lipsticks. If you have beekeepers in your immediate area, then visit one of them sometime and purchase a little beeswax. It keeps well in a cool, dry place. Whenever you are out in the sun or wind too long, just carry some of this with you and rub a little bit over your lips every now and then. You’ll find it keeps them nice and moist and soft.
- If you have vitamin E capsules on hand, puncture one and apply the oil to your lips.
- Time Tested Remedy: Petroleum jelly is a tried and true chapped lips remedy. For the healing power of petroleum jelly with more staying power, try Aquaphor, a heavy cream available in the drugstore’s skin-care section. It tends to stay on longer than petroleum jelly. Like Bag Balm, it contains lanolin.
- Prevent Dryness: If your lips are continually chapped, drink eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day, if you can. While this won’t prevent dryness, it will keep it from getting worse.
- Fever Blisters on Lips: Empty contents of 2 capsules of powdered myrrh gum onto the surface of a clean plate. I recommend Nature’s Way brand for myrrh gum. Take 2 cotton swabs. Wet them under the tap before dipping them into the powder and apply them directly to the lips. It is helpful for fever blisters that form on the lips. This is also helpful to treat canker sores.
Tips To Prevent Dry Lips in Winter Season
Apart from above mentioned chapped lips home remedies, here are few tips to prevent dry lips in first place. Lips are more vulnerable to the environment than any other part of the face. This means that keeping your lips moist and sealed against the weather is essential.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) deficiency can cause chapped lips. Include meats, poultry, egg yolk, soy, peanuts, bananas, potatoes, whole grains, and cauliflower in your diet to get sufficient amount of vitamin B6.
- A dark, creamy lipstick helps protect lips from the sun and keep moisture in. At night you can apply almost any lip balm, but for daytime care, it is best to use an SPF 15 lip balm that contains either avobenzone, Tinosorb, ecamsule (Mexoryl SX), titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide.
- A burning sensation in lips can be due to deficiency of vitamin B2 (riboflavin). The main sources of this vitamin are green leafy vegetables, milk, cheese, wheat germ, egg, almonds, sunflower, seeds, citrus fruits and tomatoes. Try including them in everyday diet.
- When indoor air is very dry, prevent chapped lips by running a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep.
- The lips form a delicate and sensitive mucocutaneous junction. Be careful while shaving to avoid injury.
- Avoid licking your lips. Your saliva may momentarily provide a coating of moisture, but it evaporates quickly, leaving lips drier than before. And the saliva contains digestive enzymes that dry out tissue.
- Wear a sunblock on your lips when you go outside. Bright sunlight can trigger burning.
- Lots of lip products also claim to be medicated. “Medicated,” however, is at best a dubious term, and it has no regulated meaning when it comes to lip balms. These “medicated” products usually contain camphor, menthol, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus, but these are not medicines for dry lips! They mostly irritate and can actually make lips burn, which is neither disinfecting nor helpful for lips that are already dry and chapped. Phenol, from lip balms, is strong stuff and can actually trigger serious irritation and dryness all by itself.
Why Won’t My Chapped Lips Heal with Home Remedies?
If lips remain chapped after you’ve babied them for two or three weeks, it’s time to make a call to the dermatologist. Don’t panic, but lips that are persistently red, dry, or scaly can suggest a precancerous condition. Also make a call to dermatologist if your lips are often cracked; you may have a yeast infection. An allergic sensitivity to ingredients in toothpaste, lipstick, or lip balms can also cause dry lips.
FAQs.
Q. How to get soft pink lips naturally? What is the fastest way to heal chapped lips?
Having soft and pink lips is a great way to show off your confidence and make a good impression. But if your lips are dry, cracked, and chapped, it can be difficult to feel confident. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to make sure your lips stay soft and hydrated. By following these steps, you can keep your lips looking and feeling soft, pink, and beautiful.
- Start off by exfoliating your lips with a gentle scrub. You can make your own lip scrub at home with ingredients like honey, sugar, and olive oil. Gently massage the scrub onto your lips in small circles and then rinse off with warm water. This will help remove any dead skin cells and make sure your lips are smooth and ready for moisture.
- After exfoliating, apply a hydrating lip balm to help lock in moisture and keep your lips soft. Choose a lip balm that contains natural oils and butters like shea butter or coconut oil.
- Finally, make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Staying hydrated will help keep your lips hydrated as well.
Q. How do I get rid of my chapped lips?
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Use a lip balm or petroleum jelly to keep lips moisturized.
- Avoid licking your lips as this can make them even more chapped.
- Exfoliate your lips with a soft toothbrush or a lip scrub.
- Avoid using products with harsh ingredients like alcohol, fragrances, and dyes.
- Wear a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from the sun.
- If your lips are extremely chapped, use a medicated lip balm or ointment.
Q. What is the main cause of chapped lips?
The main cause of chapped lips is typically a lack of moisture. This can be due to dehydration, exposure to harsh weather conditions and wind, or the use of harsh skin care products.
Q. Is chapped lips a symptom of anything?
Chapped lips can be a symptom of dehydration, a reaction to certain medications, an allergic reaction, skin conditions such as eczema, or the cold weather.
Q. How do I prevent my lips from chapping?
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help keep your lips moisturized.
- Apply a natural lip balm or petroleum jelly to your lips to lock in moisture.
- Exfoliate your lips with a soft toothbrush or washcloth.
- Avoid licking your lips.
- Avoid using products containing irritants such as menthol or fragrances.
- Try using a humidifier to help keep your lips moisturized.
- Apply a hydrating mask or honey to your lips to help heal the skin.
- Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.
Q. What essential oil is good for chapped lips?
Coconut oil, jojoba oil, and peppermint essential oil are all good for chapped lips.
Q. How do you apply honey to your lips?
To apply honey to your lips, start off by cleaning and exfoliating them. Once your lips are clean, apply a thin layer of honey to them and leave on for 10-15 minutes. After the allotted time has passed, gently wipe away the honey with a damp cloth and moisturize your lips with a natural lip balm.
Q. Can honey make lips pink?
Honey can help to moisturize and soothe chapped lips, but it won’t really make them pinker. To make your lips pinker, you should exfoliate them, stay hydrated, and use a lip balm with natural ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E.
Q. How do I put honey on my lips overnight?
To apply honey to your lips overnight, first make sure you have a clean lip balm container. Fill the container with raw, organic honey and spread a thin layer over your lips. Let the honey sit on your lips for 10–15 minutes and then gently wipe it away with a tissue. For an even more intense overnight treatment, after applying the honey, cover your lips with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and leave it on overnight. When you wake up, wash off the petroleum jelly and the remaining honey with warm water.
Q. Is aloe vera good for chapped lips?
Yes, aloe vera is a great remedy for chapped lips as it is extremely moisturizing and helps soothe any irritation.
Q. Does aloe vera make lips pink?
Aloe vera can help make lips look healthier, but it will not make them pink. To make lips pink, consider using a lip tint or a lip scrub.
Q. Can we apply aloe vera on lips daily?
Yes, you can apply aloe vera on your lips daily. Aloe vera is known to be very hydrating and nourishing for the skin. It can help to moisturize your lips and keep them looking soft and healthy.
Q. Can I apply coconut oil on lips overnight?
Yes, you can apply coconut oil to your lips overnight. Coconut oil is an effective moisturizer, and can make your lips feel soft and smooth. Be sure to wash the oil off in the morning.
Q. Can coconut oil make lips beautiful?
Yes, coconut oil can be used to make lips more beautiful. It is a natural moisturizer that can be applied to the lips to help make them look softer, smoother, and fuller. It also helps to protect the lips from dryness and cracking.
Q. Is coconut oil better than Vaseline for lips?
It depends on your individual preference and needs. Coconut oil is an all-natural product that has natural moisturizing properties. It is a great choice if you are looking for a natural lip balm. Vaseline is a petroleum-based product that is more affordable and longer lasting, but it may not be as moisturizing as coconut oil. Both are effective at moisturizing the lips, so it is up to you to decide which one you prefer.
Q. Is it good to put Vaseline on chapped lips?
Yes, Vaseline is a good option for treating chapped lips. It helps to lock in moisture and protect the lips from further damage.
Q. Which lip scrub is best for chapped lips?
The best lip scrub for chapped lips is one that contains natural ingredients such as sugar, honey, olive oil, or coconut oil. These ingredients will gently exfoliate the lips while providing nourishment and hydration.
Q. What is the best homemade lip scrub? How to get rid of chapped lips permanently?
- Mix together 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and honey in a bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of almond oil and coconut oil.
- Mix until everything is thoroughly combined.
- To use, apply to lips and gently massage with your fingertips.
- Rinse off with warm water.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Q. How to cure chapped lips fast? DIY lip balm at home for chapped lips
- In a double boiler, melt 1/2 cup of beeswax and 1/4 cup of coconut oil.
- Once the beeswax and coconut oil are melted, add 1 tablespoon of honey and stir until fully incorporated.
- Take the mixture off the heat and add 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional).
- Pour the mixture into lip balm containers or tins and let cool for 1-2 hours.
- Enjoy your homemade lip balm!
Q. Why are my lips always dry and peeling?
Dry and peeling lips can be caused by a number of things. Common causes include dehydration, exposure to dry or cold climates, weather-related conditions, use of certain medications, allergies, or a deficiency in certain nutrients. It’s important to identify the cause so that you can take steps to remedy the problem. If you’re not sure what’s causing your dry and peeling lips, consider speaking with a healthcare professional.
Q. What do I do to treat chapped lips in the morning? I moisturize my lips with cocoa butter lip balm before sleeping, but still I wake up with chapped lip.
- Start by exfoliating your lips in the morning with a gentle scrub or brush. This will help to remove any dead skin cells that may be causing the chapping.
- After exfoliating, apply a thick layer of a hydrating lip balm. Look for balms that contain ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil, which help to lock in moisture.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and help your lips stay moisturized.
- Wear a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from the sun.
- Avoid licking your lips, as saliva can dry out your lips even more.
Q. If you have chapped lips, can you still wear lipstick?
Yes, you can still wear lipstick, but you may want to consider using a lip balm or lip exfoliator before applying the lipstick to help moisturize and protect your lips.
Q. What are the best things to rub on your chapped lips?
- Beeswax
- Shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Honey
- Vitamin E oil
- Aloe Vera gel
- Petroleum jelly
- Avocado oil
- Jojoba oil
- Castor oil
Q. How do I permanently moisturize my lips?
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Use a lip balm or petroleum jelly to moisturize your lips.
- Exfoliate your lips regularly with a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush.
- Avoid licking your lips as saliva can dry them out.
- Wear a lip balm with sunscreen when you’re outdoors.
- Avoid smoking, as it can dry out your lips.
- Apply a hydrating lip mask before bed.
Q. How long should you leave Vaseline on your lips?
It is not recommended to leave Vaseline on your lips for longer than a few hours. If your lips are particularly dry, it’s best to only use Vaseline as needed and then remove it after a few hours.
Q. Is it OK to leave Vaseline on lips overnight?
No, it is not recommended to leave Vaseline on your lips overnight. Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer, meaning it can prevent your lips from breathing and may cause irritation. If you want to use a lip product overnight, use a lip balm with natural oils or beeswax.
Q. Does baking soda help chapped lips? How do I use baking soda on my lips?
Yes, baking soda can help with chapped lips. The alkaline substance helps to reduce inflammation, ease irritation, and soothe cracked skin. It can also help to exfoliate the skin on your lips and remove dead skin cells. To use, mix a small amount of baking soda with water until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to your lips and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off.
Q. How long do you leave baking soda on your lips?
Baking soda should not be left on the lips for more than a few minutes. It is important to rinse it off immediately to avoid irritation.
Ayurveda to heal cracked lips
Ayurvedic remedies for chapped lips include:
- Apply ghee or coconut oil to your lips regularly.
- Use a lip balm made from natural ingredients such as castor oil, almond oil, or beeswax.
- Drink plenty of water and eat fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C.
- Make a paste of honey and turmeric and apply to your lips.
- Use a lip scrub made from sugar and honey to exfoliate your lips.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.