How to Prevent Chapped Lips

Chapped lips are an annoyance for both children and adults. This common condition is caused by excessive dryness. Chapped lips become cracked, sensitive and rough. You can prevent chapped lips by stopping the moisture in the lips from being depleted.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Keep the air moist in your home. Dry air is a common cause of chapped lips. Use a humidifier in your home, especially at night, to help keep the lips moist.
2. Try not to lick your lips. Many people mistakenly lick their lips when they start to feel dry. Lip licking will actually cause your lips to dry out even faster.
3. Wear a scarf. On windy days, cover your face with a scarf. Wind can cause lips to become chapped.
4. Use petroleum jelly or a medicated lip balm. These help prevent and heal chapped lips.
5. Put sunscreen on your lips. Sun exposure can cause lips to become chapped. Look for lip balms with an SPF of 15.
6. Drink plenty of water. High fluid intake will prevent the lips from drying out.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suffer often from chapped lips, it could be a sign of a skin disorder such as eczema.
• Eliminate any skin care products which you suspect are contributing to your chapped lips.