How do I get rid of dry and chapped lips?
We all know the feeling of thoroughly moisturised, supple, silky-soft lips that are plump, slightly shiny and give a youthful, fresh glow. And then we know the opposite feeling.
Extremely dry, flaky lips that crack at the corners of the mouth and are left lifeless. Dry lips cause both pain and irritation, so here we guide you through how to tackle dry lips and get your healthy lips back.
Why do I get dry lips?
Your lips are more prone to drying out than the rest of your body. This is because the skin on your lips is particularly delicate, with very little pigment and only a few sebaceous glands.
The pigment in your skin acts as a protective layer against external influences, and sebaceous glands produce the body’s natural oils, which keep the skin moisturised. Your lips are therefore more reliant on themselves - and on support and care from you.
What are dry lips a sign of?
Some people experience dry lips at certain points in their cycle, while others get dry lips when the cold sets in or after a hot day at the beach. With so many causes of dry lips, you may start to wonder: What are dry lips a sign of?
The fact is that, generally, it takes less for lips to dry out, crack and develop sores. The skin on your lips is thin and delicate and needs care and protection to withstand changing temperatures, wind, UV radiation, pollution and hormonal changes.
Read also: What does dehydrated skin look like?
Expert advice: The best lip products for dry lips
At ECOOKING, all our products are made with nourishing ingredients, giving your skin the best conditions to recover and restore its natural moisture balance. In addition, a number of our products are dermatologically tested and AllergyCertified.
Multi Balm
Fragrance-free balm for very dry skin that restores the skin barrier and soot...
Lip Balm
Lip balm for dry and chapped lips that hydrates, protects and leaves lips sof...
Sun Balm for the Lips SPF 50
Water-resistant lip balm with SPF 50 that protects against UVA and UVB, cares...
How to avoid dry lips
You can avoid dry lips by making extra lip care a regular and natural part of your routine. With attention, care and the right products, you can keep dry lips at bay. Here are 5 useful tips to remember throughout the day:
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Always carry a lip balm in your bag: It can be hard to predict when your lips will start to dry out. So always carry a nourishing lip balm with you on the go, so you can moisturise regularly and stop dryness before it takes hold.
TIP: Make sure to use oil-based lip products, especially during cold and dry periods. Water-based products can evaporate more quickly and lead to even more dryness, while oil helps seal in moisture and protect your lips.
- Remember sun protection for your lips: Many people only apply sunscreen to their body and face and forget about their lips. UV radiation is one of the biggest causes of dry lips, which is why lip care with SPF is important.
- Drink plenty of water: Just as you can moisturise your skin from the outside in, you can also moisturise it from the inside out. To avoid dryness, you can carry a water bottle in your bag and keep your body and lips hydrated.
- Avoid licking your lips: Just as water-based lip products can have a drying effect, the enzymes in your own saliva can also cause dry lips. Use a lip balm when your lips feel dry instead of licking them for a short-lived feeling of moisture.
Read also: How to cover redness effectively
How to get rid of dry lips
If the damage is already done, don’t worry. You can still do your part to get rid of dry lips. During periods of major temperature changes, illness or hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause, it can be difficult to avoid dry lips altogether. Here are a few useful tips to help you get your soft, healthy lips back.
- Exfoliation: If your lips are flaky without any actual sores or cracks, you can help remove dead skin cells with an exfoliating lip product. Our Lip Scrub contains vitamin E and shea butter to leave your dry lips soft and smooth.
- Lip balm overnight: Apply plenty of lip balm before going to bed so your dry lips can soak up moisture and nourishment while you sleep. Our Lip Balm contains natural argan oil, which rebuilds your lips.
- Extra protection: During periods of cold, wind or strong sun, you need to apply lip balm more often than you might think. Make sure your dry lips stay thoroughly moisturised so the harsh conditions don’t make the dryness worse.
- Lip balm with colour: Lipstick and lip gloss can sometimes dry out your lips. If you want colour on your lips, make sure to choose lip products that also moisturise and soften. Our Lip Sticks contain moisturising hyaluronic acid and are available in several colours.
Special care for particularly exposed areas of the body
Some areas of your body are particularly prone to dryness. This includes the skin around your eyes and lips, scars and areas that have previously been sunburnt.
When you give your lips extra care and attention, it’s a good idea to care for your eye area at the same time. Choose a nourishing Eye cream that moisturises, protects and firms.
Also be mindful of products that can dry out your skin. If you have sensitive and dry skin, we recommend choosing mild, moisturising and protective products.
See our skincare for dry skin here.
