Lip protection during the winter months
If you have chapped lips, know that the winter weather adds an additional challenge. The dry, cold air poses many problems. Before winter really sets in, you can learn to protect your lips and prevent chapping.
# 1. Daytime and night protection
Protection is one of the best preventive agents. Many lip products, such as lipstick and lip stains, can dry the lips. It is important to find moisturizing and protective products. During the day, look for an oil-based or petroleum-based product that also includes sunscreen. At night, you can try something a little heavier. A common solution is to use grapeseed oil or lip products containing grape seed oil.
# 2. Brush your lips
You can help exfoliate your lips by brushing them lightly when brushing your teeth. This will help remove some of the outer dry skin. It smoothes your lips and can help prevent chapping.
# 3. Stop licking your lips
Licking your lips is a habit that can be difficult to break. Try to use a tasteless lip protection, so you do not be tempted to taste your lips. Also, be sure to stay hydrated. When you are a bit thirsty, one of the first reactions of your body is to start licking your lips. Constant wetting and rewetting causes dry, chapped lips.
# 4. Check your products
Many products can cause allergic reactions. The result is dry, irritated, chapped lips. Lipsticks, lip balms and even toothpastes can irritate the lips. The culprits are aromas, dyes and even seemingly useful ingredients like oxybenzone found in sunscreens.
If you think a product is causing problems to your lips, stop using it for ten to fourteen days. If your lips improve, then you have found your answer. If they do not improve, you can continue to use the product and try to eliminate something else.
# 5. Food and medicine
Just as some common ingredients can cause lip irritation, foods and medications can also be the cause. Topical medications such as Retin-A can cause severe dryness. Food allergies such as wheat and dairy products can cause lip irritation and cracking. The food begins to digest as soon as it enters the mouth. Saliva begins to break down. If you have a food allergy or sensitivity, it can immediately affect your lips.
If you suspect a drug (including prescription medications) or a food is having chapped lips, consider eliminating it for a few days to see if it improves. If you suspect a prescription to cause chapped lips, talk to your doctor before you stop taking your medicine.
