Guide to Maintaining Soft and Silky Lips Completely

In the colder months or during prolonged sun exposure, our lips can become dry and cracked. This is because lips have a thinner epithelium and limited ability to retain moisture, making them more susceptible to dryness and irritation.

To help combat this, experts recommend several simple yet effective steps.

Firstly, it's important to stay hydrated. Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily is crucial to maintain adequate hydration.

Secondly, avoid licking your lips frequently. While it may seem like a natural response, licking your lips can worsen their condition by causing evaporation of saliva and further dryness.

Thirdly, use a humidifier, especially in your bedroom, to add moisture to the air and reduce the likelihood of your lips cracking.

Fourthly, use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher and sun-protective ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These products will help protect your lips from the harmful effects of the sun.

Fifthly, opt for lip products containing moisturizing properties. Ingredients like castor seed oil, ceramides, dimethicone, hemp seed oil, mineral oil, petrolatum, shea butter, and sun-protective ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide can help keep your lips hydrated and protected.

Sixthly, choose non-irritating lip products that promote hydration and protection, avoiding ingredients like camphor, menthol, fragrances, and salicylic acid.

Seventhly, minimize contact with irritants, such as metal objects, to prevent further damage and dryness.

Eighthly, apply lip balm regularly to prevent and treat cracked lips.

Ninthly, use coconut oil as a natural moisturizing agent for your lips.

Lastly, be aware that underlying health issues such as thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, and inflammatory bowel disease can cause lip dryness and cracking. If your cracked lips persist or worsen despite your efforts, seek medical attention.

For children, it's essential to teach them the importance of proper lip care. Consult a pediatrician if their chapped lips persist or worsen.

Remember, the outer layer of the lips, known as the stratum corneum, is thinner compared to the rest of the facial skin. Lips lack sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing natural moisturizers. Therefore, it's crucial to take extra care of our lips during the colder months and under prolonged sun exposure.