Girls and women of all ages love to wear lipsticks in nudes, pastel hues, bright and vibrant shades. However, the skin of the lips is thinner than the skin on other body parts. This makes it easier for it to chap and crack and it needs to be taken care of more. Lips have fewer oil glands and have no ability to create sun filtering melanin. They do not have any protection either. Lips also get chapped and dehydrated in cold and dry weather, but this does not happen just in winter. It can happen year-round if there is dry air, sun, and wind which dry the lips. Listed below are some ways to take care of your lips.
Simple ways to take care of the lips
It is possible to restore lip health by remembering these below-mentioned tips:
- Do not touch or lick your lips as they will be directly affected. For the moment your lips will feel hydrated but once the saliva evaporates the lips will become drier as the enzymes in the saliva will be too harsh on the delicate lips. Never breathe with your mouth open, moisture will get stripped away from dry air.
- Using lip balm regularly is the best and fastest remedy for dry lips. It is composed of oils, menthol, camphor, and oils to reduce the stinging. It may also contain aloe or allantoin to speed up healing. Many contain sunscreens which are a must for protection from sun exposure. It contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and avobenzone which offer UVA protection.
- Do not kiss anyone who has an infection of the lips. Follow a healthy diet plan which contains vitamins and other nutrients which directly affect the lips’ condition.
- Drink lots of water. It is important as it will keep the skin and lips hydrated from inside.
- Remove all traces of makeup on the lips before you sleep. Dampen a cotton ball and wipe your lips to remove the makeup.
- Keeping the lips hydrated at night is important as lips dry out when you are asleep. Use a cream or petroleum jelly.
- You can also use oil to massage your lips for five minutes daily. This will improve the blood circulation to the lips.
- Scrub your lips as it will keep them soft and healthy. It also removes the dead skin and this helps it not to succumb to infection. Use a mild scrub or make one at home with rock salt.
- Always carry a lip balm even when you are traveling. Use lipsticks while stepping out. Use one that provides protection from the sun, dry air, dirt, etc.
Common lip problems
- Chapping: It can occur in almost any season. You need to apply a lip balm to treat and prevent this and make sure it should overlap the edges of the lips.
- Splitting: Cracks happen when you sleep in dry air. Use a good-quality lip balm prior to sleeping and also use a humidifier which helps in holding the moisture in the air.
- Cold sores: It is caused by a viral infection and they look like scabs or blisters. Avoid re-infection by using cotton swabs to apply lipstick when the sore is visible.
