How to Prevent Chapped Lips

Dry skin anywhere is uncomfortable, but when your mouth is affected, it's even more so since lip skin is particularly thin and delicate. According to dermatolgist Jennifer Linder, M.D., lip skin contains substances called natural moisturing factors (NMFs) which are humectants found in the cells of the our skin's outermost layer (the epidermis). Under normal circumstances, NMFs work to keep your mouth soft and hydrated. But certain conditions can disrupt the natural process and allow moisture to evaporate at an accelerated rate, leaving your lips parched and prone to chapping.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

What Can Cause Chapped Lips

1. Very dry air. When humidity is lower than 45 percent the water in your skin evaporates into the atmosphere faster than it can be replaced by your body.
2. Sensitivity to products that plump your lips. If you are using a lip plumper that stings upon application, it likely contains an ingredient (like ginger), that deliberately irritates and swells the skin (thus, fuller lips). However, this can interfere with the way your NMFs function and cause your lips to dry out.
3. Dryness elsewhere on your body. Parched skin anywhere is often the result of not drinking enough water. Try to drink at least 6 8-ounce glasses a day.

Simple Solutions

4. Cover up 24/7. Regularly swipe on gloss, balm or hydrating lipstick--with sunscreen is even better.
5. Skip spicy toothpaste. If your lips are chapped, switch to a non-irritating, flavor-free formula.
6. Slather before you sleep. Use an extra-heavy lip balm pre-bedtime to wake up moisturized. Try Chapstick Overnight Lip Treatment with vitamin E.