Chapped lips, otherwise known as ‘cheilitis’ is an uncomfortable and all-too-common ailment associated with the winter months. As the skin on our lips is considerably thinner and more delicate than anywhere else on our body, we have to take care of them especially as they are exposed to the elements including sun, cold, and dry air.
If you suffer from dry and chapped lips, or you want to start taking care of your pout in the hope of preventing any issues, then you are in the right place.
Exfoliate
You should be aiming to gently exfoliate your lips between one and three times per week. The best time to do it is before you go to bed, following up the scrub with a layer of quality, vegan and organic moisturising natural lip balm. You can easily make a lip scrub at home by mixing one teaspoon of honey and two teaspoons of sugar and then applying it to your lips. Leave for around 10 minutes (whilst trying not to eat it!) and then gently massage off, leaving your lips plump and soft.
Avoid Chemicals
Many of the lip balms you buy in the pharmacy or supermarket are full of unnatural or chemical ingredients that often do more harm than good. These include petroleum jelly which just gives the illusion of moisturised skin, artificial fragrances that can dry your lips, and glycerin that actually pulls the moisture out of the lips. Choosing a natural lip balm that is made with vegan, organic and ethical ingredients is a great natural alternative, with amazing benefits to your lips. You should also avoid parabens, synthetic colours, synthetic flavours, and chemical sunscreens such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. Remember what you put on your lips also ends up in your body, so where possible, stick to natural lip balms that contain safe ingredients that are sustainable and eco so they look after our planet too.
Drink Water
As with all skin complaints, lack of water and dehydration can significantly exacerbate the issue as well as cause it in the first place. Drinking between four and 10 glasses of water a day will keep you hydrated as well as having a knock-on benefit for your skin and help maintain healthy natural lips.
Use A Good Quality Natural Lip Balm
Once you have exfoliated, avoided chemicals, and ensured you are drinking enough water, you need to put the right balm on your lips to keep them in good shape. Look for natural lip balms that contain organic, vegan ingredients including organic shea butter, natural coconut oil, organic jojoba oil, organic beeswax and natural vitamin E to lock in moisture and heal your skin from within.
