
7 Dermatologist Tips For Healing Dry, Chapped Lips
While it may seem that dry, cracked lips are something you must live with until spring comes, you can have soft, supple lips year-round. Here’s what dermatologists recommend.
1. Use non-irritating balm, lipstick, and other products to moisten your lips
Many people mistake discomfort, such as burning, stinging, or tingling, as a sign that the active ingredients in a product are working. That’s not what’s happening. You’re actually irritating your lips. Stop using these types of products to heal your lips.
2. Apply a non-irritating lip balm (or moisturizer) several times a day and before bed.
If your lips are very dry and cracked, try a thick ointment, such as white petroleum jelly. Ointment seals in the water longer than waxes or oils.
3. Stop licking, biting, and picking at your lips.
Even in winter, it’s important to protect your lips from the sun. The sun can burn dry, chapped lips more easily and trigger cold sores.
To protect your lips, use a lip balm that offers SPF 30 or higher, and one (or both) of these sun-protective ingredients: titanium oxide and zinc oxide
5. Drink plenty of water.