Pollution, wind, UV, cold or sun rays, the face is always in first place against natural external aggressions. The skin of the lips, five times thinner than the epidermis of the face, is particularly fragile. In winter, the cold and the wind dries it out. 

In summer, drought, chlorine from swimming pools, or saltwater from the sea attacks it. The passage of time also bears the responsibility for the fragility of the lips, since they shrink by 1% each year. Dry lips chap, tear, sometimes crack until they bleed. How not to come to this? Adopting the right gestures and choosing the right products is enough to have beautiful, soft, luscious, and hydrated lips all year round.

WHY WET LIPS IS BAD?

Because saliva, as it dries, takes moisture with it, which dehydrates the lip and worsens cracking.

WHY CHOOSE YOUR BALM WELL?

The paraffin oil in most lip balms can be addictive. Indeed, when it dries, the protective film left by the balm becomes rough and therefore calls for a need for rehydration. We then enter a vicious circle, without end. 

Preferring a fragrance-free, paraben-free, and as a natural balm as possible minimizes this negative effect. Prefer anti-UV models, especially for stays in the snow.

Ideally, create your own balms, at home.

1-THE HONEY AND WHITE CHEESE BALM 

Want a DIY moisturizing balm? Here is a very simple recipe with ingredients that you probably already have.

• Honey, for its healing effect;
• Cottage cheese.

Mix the two and apply the cream obtained on lips previously rubbed with a toothbrush for a very gentle peeling effect. You can also make this scrub by adding a little sugar to honey and massaging your lips in small circular motions. You then get rid of small dead skin and allow your lips to fully welcome the care you reserve for them.

Apply the balm in a generous layer.

Leave on for 15 minutes.

Remove the excess with soft cotton.

The honey will have filled the small crevices.

2-BEESWAX AND ALMOND OIL

For this recipe, use beeswax and almond oil in equal amounts. Preferably choose organic ones.

Mix them together and heat them over low heat.

Once fluid and homogeneous, pour the contents into a small airtight container.

At bedtime and upon waking, apply a little on your lips.

The wax moisturizes while the oil assumes the protective and preservative function.

Precaution: if you are allergic to pollen, avoid all products from the hive. Replace the wax with shea butter.

3-SHEA BUTTER

Vegetable butter from shea nuts is eaten but also serves as a cosmetic base for many beauty and hygiene products. Moisturizing and emollient, its richness in fatty acids gives it its protective and restorative properties. 

Also Read: 5 Reasons Why You Need to Adopt Lash Enhancement!

It helps to fight against the dryness of the skin and promotes hydration.

Combine it with essential oils such as cistus ladaniferous or ginger for their healing and soothing power. 

These oils are not recommended for pregnant women. Read the instructions for use of essential oils carefully before using them.

4-HONEY AND VEGETABLE OIL 

For the most advanced cases, this preparation is concocted for very dry lips.

Honey, known for its softening and healing power, provides additional comfort.

Apply a small layer of honey that you leave on for about fifteen minutes. Gourmands will refrain from licking.

Rinse with a little lukewarm water.

Don’t rub your lips.

Then apply a thin layer of oil to deeply moisturize. Again, wait a quarter of an hour before rinsing. 

The fatty substance immediately relieves pain created by cracks.

Argan oil, rich in vitamin E, antioxidant, and healing, is particularly recommended.

Avocado oil is also suitable.

5-COCONUT OIL, EVERY DAY

Coconut oil combines beneficial properties: emollient, moisturizing, softening, and repairing for the most damaged lips.

Keep it handy and moisten your lips whenever the opportunity arises throughout the day.

Used regularly, it brings comfort and natural hydration.

6-ALOE VERA GEL

It is because it absorbs ambient humidity that aloe vera is used as the basis for many cosmetic products. The area on which it is spread then benefits from all the hydration it carries. Aloe vera heals small wounds caused by cold.

Used like coconut oil, that is to say frequently and regularly, aloe vera gel repairs cracks and protects the lips in the long term.

SOME GOOD DAILY PRACTICES TO AVOID LIP DRYNESS

• Ensure nutrient intake, including vitamin B2 and iron. You will find vitamin B2 in almonds, mushrooms, and broccoli. For iron, eat red meat, poultry, and fish, but also seafood, dried fruits, and legumes.
• Adopt healthy and balanced food hygiene;
• NO SMOKING ;
• Remove make-up every evening;
• Choose a moisturizing lipstick with a creamy texture;
• Choose your lipstick color accordingly. Some shades, due to the pigments used, dry out more than others. Thus, purples and burgundy are to be avoided.
• Promptly treat infections such as cold sores with an adequate antibiotic cream;
• Avoid stressful situations;
• Stay hydrated, and drink plenty of water.

THINGS NOT TO DO WHEN LIPS ARE CHAPPED

• Expose yourself to the sun;
• Rinse lips with warm water. Soothing in the moment, hot water dehydrates as it evaporates. In addition, it removes all traces of moisturizing oil deposited before.
• lick your lips;
• Use scented balms;
• Use a product containing irritating ingredients.

TO CONSULT

If the cracks do not heal, it is best to consult. It can hide:

An allergic reaction to a product you may use daily (toothpaste, lipstick, etc.);

An infection, such as a yeast infection.

Photo: Pexels/Ron Lach

All products featured on Body Care Art are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.