At some point, most of us will suffer from chapped or dry lips. Rough lips can be caused by a number of factors, with cold or very dry weather, medications, and excessive licking tending to be the main culprits. Those with severe cracking or dermatitis around the pout should consult with a doctor or dermatologist to gain expert skin advice, though minor cases should clear up within a few days with some TLC. Read on for tips on healing your lips fast.
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Maintain hydration
Lips easily lose moisture, with the skin covering them susceptible to becoming very tight or splitting. While it may be tempting, avoid picking or exfoliating the lips as this may cause further harm or bleeding. Instead, focus on upping your water intake
Don't lick your lips
While it may seem like a good idea, try not to lick your lips as, when the saliva dries, it can take more moisture from your skin.
Cover up
Just like you cover hands with gloves on cold and windy days; do the same for your lips. By wrapping a scarf around the lower half of your face, your lips will have an extra layer of protection.
Avoid gloss
Shiny or high gloss lipsticks can be potentially harmful to lips because they can attract UV rays.
"An interesting cause of chapped lips, though, can be dehydration from the alcohol found in lots of creams and ointments," Emma Leighton, founder of Divine Make-up, advised. "To avoid chapped lips keep them moisturised with a quality product."
Invest in a balm
To heal chapped lips fast, look to buy a quality balm that is formulated with emollient ingredients to lock in moisture. O'Keeffe's Lip Repair Unscented and Cooling Relief lip balms are great for dry pouts as they lock in moisture after just one application, even after eating and drinking. A must-have addition to any well-stocked make-up bag, Lypsyl's innovative Mirror Compact comes with an easy-open top lid for lip pampering on-the-go. This balm is packed with shea butter, vitamin E, and aloe vera to help repair and heal damaged lips and are available in vanilla and orange blossom scents. Formulated with menthol, camphor and beeswax, Carmex's Classic Lip Balm Pot will leave lips soft, soothed and hydrated.
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