Dry, cracked lips are painful and unsightly. Many assume that winter is the only time they have to worry about chapped lips, but the truth is that chapped lips can afflict you at any time of year.
What can you do to keep your lips healthy and happy? How do you ward off the dry, cracked lip syndrome? Here are 6 ways you can heal your chapped lips and keep them soft and supple.
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1. Petroleum jelly. One of the best things for your lips is to seal them against the elements and to seal in the moisture. WebMD recommends petroleum jelly as great for locking in the moisture.
2. Lemon juice. Most wouldn't think of using lemon juice for chapped lips, but Consumer Health Digest says that using lemon juice and glycerin can help remove dead skin cells from your lips. Combine 1 tablespoon lemon juice with 1 tablespoon castor oil and some glycerin. Apply this at night before bed.
3. Coconut oil. Coconut oil is extremely hydrating, so Reader's Digest recommends using it on your lips. To get the most out of the oil, combine 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil with 1 tablespoon petroleum jelly. Melt the petroleum in a pan on the stove and add the coconut oil. Mix thoroughly and pour into a container to use.
4. Honey. Honey is great for healing sores, so applying it to cracked lips is a great idea. Stylcraze says to put a layer of honey on your lips first and cover it with a layer of petroleum jelly. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes and then wipe it off.
5. Hydrate. In order to keep your skin well-hydrated, WebMD reminds you to keep yourself well-hydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water or other fluids, and limit your caffeine and alcohol intake.
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6. Cucumber slices. Reader's Digest suggests a novel idea: cucumber slices rubbed on your lips. The idea is that cucumber slices are super moist, so you can rub water onto your lips. Unfortunately, as the water evaporates, your lips will dry out even more.
Enjoy the soft, healthy, crack-free lips that hydrating and protecting can give you.