How to Clean Up Chapped Lips in a Hurry

Cold weather, dry air and frequently licking your lips can lead to chapped lips. Left untreated, your lips may crack or split. Particularly in cold Northern regions, chapped lips can plague you throughout the cold-weather season. Treatment and prevention are the key to protecting your lips and reducing the risk of open sores. Treat your lips at the first sign of drying, to reduce the severity of chapped-lip instances.

Things You'll Need

• Wash cloth
• Bees wax or petroleum-based lip balm

Instructions

1. Scrub your lips gently with a wash cloth soaked in warm water. The rough material removes some of the flaking skin, providing a fresh base to treat your lips.

2. Apply lip balm, selecting a bees wax balm or a petroleum-based treatment. Avoid the medicated versions, unless you have cold sores or other abrasions to treat. Apply the balm several times a day to keep your lips protected.

3. Breathe through your nose as much as possible. Breathing through your mouth draws air across your lips, and can dry them out more. Drink as much fluid as possible to avoid dehydration, as that can worsen dry skin, including your lips.

Tips & Warnings

• Take preventative action by applying lip balm before you go out in cold, dry air.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Chapped Lips: What's the Best Remedy?