Causes and Remedies for Dry Lips

We all know it! It is a tale that is as old as time. As the weather changes, dry and chapped lips are not far behind. It is a menace, we know. That dry, coarse, and sometimes painful feeling is far from comfortable and can be quite challenging to heal. But dry, cold weather isn’t the only trigger for chapped lips, which is why we’re taking a closer look at what causes lips to dry out and examining solutions to keep them moist, plump, and pout-ready. 

What could make your Lips Dry, Chapped, or even Inflamed?

Cold weather has always been painted as the villain, leeching the life out of our lips and causing them to dry out. But as with every good story, the answer is not so simple. The weather is, in fact, just one of several causes of dry lips. So, let’s examine the suspects, shall we: 

1. Harsh weather

Cold, dry weather and lack of moisture in the air tend to lead to the skin and lips drying out. Leaving them flaky and sometimes swollen. However, you can still escape dry lips in the summer season, as spending too much time in the hot sun can have a similar effect. 

2. Hot water

Washing your face with too hot water can strip them of their natural oils and leave them vulnerable to dryness. This occurs because the skin on the lips is much thinner than the rest of the body and does not possess oil glands. 

3. Licking lips

As tempting as licking your lips might be, it worsens the problem. As we know, saliva contains enzymes that assist in digestion. Frequently coating the lips in saliva leads to these enzymes breaking down the skin, resulting in dry, chapped lips. 

4. Lack of hydration

Hydration is the key to keeping the skin plump, soft, and supple. The same applies to the lips. Hence, not drinking sufficient water is among the main causes of chapped lips. 

5. Health conditions

Dry or chapped lips can also be a symptom of various health conditions. These include thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, and inflammatory bowel disease. Common cold may also make the lips chapped, especially if the weather is too cold and dry, or if the nasal congestion is severe. 

6. Poor oral health

Poor oral hygiene habits, eating disorders, and general neglect can cause the lips to dry out and become flaky. 

7. Medication

One of the side effects of antihistamines, often prescribed for allergies, is chapped lips. Chemotherapy can also have a similar effect. Even some common medications for fever or cold and cough can also make the mouth dry.

Caring for your lips

As we mentioned earlier, the skin on the lips is thinner and more vulnerable, which is why it needs proper care. This is why you should protect your lips from drying out. The good thing is several dry lips solutions help prevent, protect and heal chapped lips. 

1. Stay hydrated.

Ensure that you drink plenty of fluids (read water, infused water, fresh fruit juices) throughout the day to keep your skin and lips hydrated and prevent dehydration. 

2. Choose a suitable lip balm

The simplest way to treat dry lips is frequently applying a good lip balm. Some of the best lip balms for dry lips are made with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, calendula, coconut oil, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. 

We welcome you to try our Cherry Tinted Natural Lip Balm. It features Cherry, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E, and Castor Oil that provide deep moisturization for 12 hours. It helps heal dry and chapped lips and makes them soft and supple.

Did you know? Best-avoided ingredients include artificial fragrances, parabens, petroleum or mineral oil, menthol, and cinnamic aldehyde. When stepping out in the sun, ensure that you use a lip balm with SPF 15. You can also apply sunscreen on your lips. And remember to apply lip balm before you dab on lipstick or gloss.

3. Natural moisturizers

Home remedies like honey, aloe vera, butter, or coconut oil are excellent moisturizers that help restore natural oils and soothe chapped lips. 

4. Exfoliate

A natural face scrub can help exfoliate chapped lips, gently removing dead skin. You should avoid scrubs that contain large granules and salicylic acid, which can aggravate the problem. 

You can use the Vitamin C-Enriched Lip Care Kit from Mamaearth that comes with a gentle scrub and a lip mask that can be used to take care of your lips. It features safe and toxin-free ingredients (lemon extracts, shea butter, and walnut shell) that gently soothe dry and chapped lips.

5. Use a humidifier

If you live in a country that has a dry climate, you should use a humidifier. It is a simple device that adds moisture to the air around you and thus helps prevent the lips from drying out. It may also work in drier seasons like summer and winter when the humidity content is low.

6. Don’t touch your lips.

Avoid biting, licking, or picking at the lips, as it can aggravate the problem. 

What are some makeup products I can use along with lip balm?

There are several colorcare products you can use along with your lip balm:

a. Kajal: Originated in Ancient Egypt, it is still one of the most common skincare products used to provide a dramatic effect. You can opt for kohl in pencil, pen, powder, or liquid formulations to help you achieve the look you want. Be sure to look for one that is easy to use and doesn’t tug at your skin. 

The best kajal usually lasts for around 12-14 hours. Waterproof kohl is recommended to avoid running and smudging. New formulations also include antioxidants and hydrating properties because of ingredients like vitamin E, Vitamin C, extracts of chamomile to soothe the eyes, jojoba oil, olive oil, cocoa butter, castor oil, and shea butter. 

Some are created to be compatible with sensitive eyes and those wearing contacts. Mamaearth’s eye kohl comes in 4 vibrant shades that will enhance the look of your eyes! 

b. Foundation: Foundation is usually the backbone of you any made-up look. That’s why it is so important to find one that complements your skin tone and is compatible with your skin type. It is also available in various avatars, including liquids, powders, sticks, and creams, as well as radiant and matte finishes. 

In addition, a foundation that comes with SPF offers an added layer of protection, especially for those with sensitive skin. It is advisable to opt for the one that has moisturizing properties. Such products usually contain glycerin and hyaluronic acid that help avoid drying and cakiness. 

Tip: Ensure the foundation is non-comedogenic and free of parabens, sulfates, and silicones. The best formulations are often oil-free, lightweight, and sweat resistant. They are easy to blend into the skin and effectively cover up blemishes. A good foundation should also be wearable throughout the day and must be buildable. 

Mamaearth’s foundations are packed with the goodness of Vitamin C and turmeric that can give you a radiant look almost instantly, and it promises a 12-hour stay! 

c. Lip Serum: Lip serum are effective alternatives to lip balms. Like their hair and facial counterparts, they target various concerns, including hydrating and nourishing the lips. They penetrate deeper into the skin than traditional lip balm formulations and help keep the lips soft and supple. 

In addition, they help retain moisture and prevent drying and cracking. Some of them even help boost collagen production. What makes serum’s so valuable are peptides, hyaluronic acid, retinol, olives, green tea, wheat, antioxidants, and vitamins C and E. 

It’s essential to choose a formulation compatible with your skin and suits your needs but ensure that it is paraben, sulfate, and silicone-free. Look for formulations that are long-lasting, non-sticky, and easily absorbed. Some formulations act as primers, while others come with a hint of color, reducing the necessity of using gloss or lipstick.

d. Lipstick: Lipstick is a makeup staple but finding the right one is a little more complicated. Color is important, but there is much more to consider before making a choice. Nudes are, of course, compatible with all skin tones and all occasions – be it the office or party. Blue or purple hues work well for cool skin tones, while red and orange stand out on warm ones. 

Depending on your desired look, you can choose from creamy, satin, gloss, or matte finishes. New formulations offer the added benefits of plumping, UV protection, and hydration, incorporating nourishing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, botanicals, and antioxidants. 

Lipsticks are also available in different consistencies – stick, liquid, or cream. Opt for lightweight formulations, layer well, and stay away from substances like parabens, silicones, sulfates, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances.

e. Compact: Compressed powder or compacts are one of the best ways to balance the complexion, control excess shine, and ensure your makeup lasts. They offer varying levels of coverage, which is why you must know what you want your compact to do before making a choice. 

Knowing what you want will help you decide between translucent options (great for touch-ups) or compact-foundation hybrids. Of course, finding one that matches your skin tone is of utmost importance. Also, look for hydrating formulations to avoid patchiness. 

If you have oily skin, choose a talc-free compact with cornstarch that has absorbing properties. On the other hand, dry skin would be better off with ingredients like jojoba oil, almond oil, vitamin E, or botanical extracts. You should ensure that the compact is light on your skin, and is not thick or chalky. 

It should also layer and blend well. You should avoid harmful substances like parabens and silicones. For example, you may try our compacts that feature Vitamin C and turmeric. They thus help provide a natural radiance and protect it from environmental irritants. 

f. Concealer: A good concealer is essential when going all out with your makeup. Applied after foundation and before setting powder, its main job is covering up dark circles, pimples, dark spots, and other blemishes. It can also be used as a cream highlighter, giving the skin a bit of brightness and covering up redness and dullness. 

Shade, of course, is the most important thing to look for. Opt for a concealer two shades lighter than your foundation is often recommended. Like foundation, concealers offer different finishes – matte, radiant, natural, and soft. 

They are also available in liquid or stick variations. You should look for lightweight formulations that easily blend into the skin. Hydrating formulations are always preferred as they have the added benefit of moisturizing and nourishing the skin, preventing a dry, cakey appearance. 

Like the foundations, the concealers from Mamaearth’s are packed with the goodness of Vitamin C and turmeric that promise radiant skin with regular use.

Lip care is a time-taking and holistic process

The dry season is one of many things you need to watch out for regarding chapped lips. Dry lips’ reasons and causes are varied and plenty, so it is essential to understand the underlying cause before choosing a treatment. 

This is especially important if the cause is related to an existing condition or a side effect of medication. Natural lip balm with beetroot and home remedies have proven to be effective healers but there are also other things that you can do to ensure that your lips do not dry out and avoid the uncomfortable sensation altogether. 

Remember that your lips are sensitive, and caring for them must be a part of your daily skincare routine. So stop dreading the winter chill and get ready to flaunt luscious lips all winter long. If the problem is severe, seeking advice from a dermatologist or doctor is recommended. 

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