Chapped, or
cracked, lips is the term commonly used to describe dry lips. Chapped lips can
be caused by a number of factors, including the weather, excessive licking of
the lips, and certain medications.
Chapped lips
is a very common condition that occurs only on occasion for most people.
However, some may develop a more severe form of chapped lips called Cheilitis.
Cheilitis, which can be caused by an infection, is characterized by cracked
skin at the corners of the lips.
Dry lips are
usually reversible with simple treatment and preventive measures. The following
home remedies would help you out in curing chapped and dry lips, naturally
Remedies
for Dry and Chapped Lips
1. Sugar:
Sugar is a natural softener, which exfoliates the dead cells of the chapped
lips and restores their smoothness. Mix some sugar with one teaspoon of honey
and apply the paste on your lips. Then, with the help of your fingers, gently
rub the mixture around the lips to slacken off the dead cells. Let it rest for
a few seconds and then, wash it with lukewarm water.
2. Honey: Honey
is a great moisturizer to heal the cracked and chapped lips. It has
anti-bacterial properties, which treat the lips well. Simply apply pure honey
on lips, several times a day. Honey can also be mixed with glycerin and applied
on the lips.
3. Rose Petals:
The rose petals can also come to rescue when your lips are in need of
protection. To use rose petals as lip softener, wash a handful of leaves in
water and soak them in milk or glycerine for a few hours. Make a thick paste
and apply it each night, before going to bed. This home remedy is the best cure
for dry lips, and it also enhances shine and gloss of lips.
4.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help heal
chapped lips, caused by cold or dry weather. Simply apply pure coconut oil,
several times a day, on your lips to keep them moist. You can also use olive
oil or mustard oil.
5. Castor
Oil: Application of castor oil, several times a day, is also a good
treatment for severely dry and chapped lips. You can also apply a mix of few drops
of lemon juice and glycerin before going to bed. It should be washed off with a
cotton ball, soaked in warm water.
6. Milk Cream:
The milk cream is a great natural lip moisturizer, which can be used daily by
directly applying on lips and gently washing it with lukewarm water. This is an
excellent treatment for severe dry lips.
7. Aloe
Vera Gel: The healing properties of aloe vera are well known
to everyone and it also helps a person having dry and chapped lips. Aloe vera
gel can be applied directly on lips, which besides healing the chapping, also
relieves the pain. Though, the taste of aloe vera is unpleasant, but it has
powerful remedial features.
8. Cucumber:
Another simple and natural solution for chapped lips is cucumber. Either
cucumber juice or a slice of cucumber can be applied over lips to make them
gentle and soft. This is the best cure for dry lips.
9.
Petroleum Jelly: Petroleum jelly is the best and easiest way of treating
dry lips. Simply apply petroleum jelly over lips, several times a day, to
provide them proper nourishment and protection.
Before
applying petroleum jelly, a thin coat of honey can also be applied. Remove the
coating in the morning, after keeping it overnight, with the help of a cotton
ball dipped in warm water. Repeat the remedy twice a day.
10. Water:
“Hydrate yourself” is the best policy that goes well with all the dermal
problems. Drink plenty of water as it helps in flushing out the toxins of your
skin. It also makes your lips look supple.
12. Mustard
Oil: Applying lukewarm mustard oil in the navel is the best cure for very
dry lips.
13. Glycerine:
Application of pure glycerine helps in treating the lips well. You can also mix
glycerine with honey or rose petals.
14. Lukewarm
Ghee: You can apply lukewarm ghee or butter in navel or on lips to get rid
of chapped and cracked lips.
15. Brown
Sugar: Half cup of brown sugar, mixed with two tablespoons of almond or
olive oil, is beneficial when applied on cracked lips. It is a good at home
cure for dry lips.
REMEMBER
- Apply sunscreen based (SPF 15)
moisturizer or lip balm to avoid dark, dry and scaly lips, before
stepping out of home.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Vitamin A rich diet should be
consumed, which includes tomatoes, carrots and green leafy vegetables.
- Apply lip balm before you sleep. If
possible, use balms containing shea or cocoa butter.
- Never peel off the dead dry skin from
the lips, instead clean it with a cotton ball soaked in warm water or with
the help of soft bristled toothbrush.
- Never lick or bite the skin of lips.