6 Easy Home Remedies for Dry & Cracked Lips
Dr. B. Kanagasabapathy
[M.D.S. (Ortho), Fellow ICOI]
The presence of cracked or chapped lips is a common problem in the winter months. It happens because of the humidity in air during cold seasons. Besides this, frequent exposure to the sun also tends to increase cracks in lips. Our lips do not contain oil glands like other parts of our body. So they are highly susceptible to become dry. Lack of wetness extends the dryness to the underneath regions and causes chapped lips.
Apart from the environmental exposures, habitual licking, spicy foods consumption, chemical ingredients in cosmetic appliances, vitamin deficiencies and certain medical conditions also contribute to dry lips. This happens with irritations or allergic reactions on the skin. Doctors refer this with a term called “Cheilitis”.
Even though the problem is harmless and heals on its own, it is quite aggravating. Lip balms are typically prescribed to get rid of dry lips. Likewise, various DIY remedies are also available to get relief and cure chapped lips. We have explained them in this post.
1) Exfoliate the lips
The chapped lips are covered with dry skin containing dead skin cells. This prevents the healing ingredients in lip balms and other coolants reach the new skin present underneath. So you should exfoliate or remove the dry skin in your cracked lips with lip scrubs available in the market. While purchasing lip scrubs, look for the ingredients that soothe and hydrate our lips.
If you prefer homemade lip scrubs, then follow this.
Mix lemon juice and honey in a 1:1 ratio and stir it well. Apply this mixture over your lips and leave it at least 10 minutes before peeling off the dry skin.
2) Coconut Oil
The essential fatty lipids in coconut oil take care of fixing cracks and water loss in the top layer of skins. It means the oil helps in moisturizing the lips. Moreover, the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties along with minerals, vitamins provide your skin the resilience to fight against bacterial infection.
To put it simply, coconut oil is a powerful moisturizing agent as well as boosting the barrier functionalities of your skin.
Apply pure coconut oil on the lips throughout the day. Use your finger or a cotton swab to rub oil on your lips.
3) Honey
Honey has been used as a natural remedy for skin problems for centuries as it is a good source of moisturizing agents, wound healing properties. Meanwhile, it contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties that aid in preventing infection.
It is a mild exfoliator as well as moisturizer to provide you relief from chapped lips. Use your finger or cotton swab to dab honey on your lips.
4) Aloe Vera Gel
The gel present in aloe vera is well-known for its soothing properties and hence it is recommended to treat common dental problems like canker sores, etc. Meanwhile, it is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that make the gel an effective remedy to prevent the progression of chapped lips.
The enzymes present in aloe vera gel also contains mild exfoliating properties. When you apply the gel, it helps in peeling off the dead cells whilst moisturizing your dry lips.
5) Cucumber
Cucumber is a power source of vitamins and hydrating agents. It provides all minerals to remove dryness in your cracked lips. So it is an effective remedy to treat dry lips.
You can massage your lips with a slice of cucumber or extract its juice and apply it over the lips. Otherwise, grind some cucumber slices and dab the paste on lips to hydrate them.
6) Green Tea
Dentists recommend green tea to promote teeth and gum health. The antioxidants and other compounds in green tea are powerful to fight against oral bacteria. So it is recommended for our oral cavity’s well-being. Besides preventing cavities, reducing bad breath, reduce inflammation in gums, green tea helps in humidifying our lips.
Use a steeped green tea bag to rub it on the dry lips. On the other hand, dab green tea directly to the lips after allowing the fluid to cool.
Bottom line
Encountering dry, cracked, or chapped lips are inevitable with the weather, underlying health conditions. Similar to the soothing remedies we have suggested, certain activities aid in enhancing the barrier function of the lips to prevent dryness and cracks. The important prevention tips include taking vitamin-rich foods, staying hydrated, avoiding cosmetic appliances that contain irritants.
