Make a homemade remedy for soothing dry and chapped lips

Aloe vera | Honey | Avocado butter | Petroleum jelly | Prevention | Bottom line

Dealing with chapped lips is a year-round challenge. Whether it's the biting cold of winter, the parching effects of dry air, the sun's harsh rays, or even the impact of cosmetic products, your lips can end up cracked and flaky.

Although lip balms offer relief, don't overlook the array of effective home remedies that can come to your rescue. In this article, we'll delve into a range of simple, tried-and-true home remedies that work wonders in soothing your chapped lips.

Kick off with a bit of exfoliation. When your lips are parched and rough, the skin might start to peel and flake. A gentle exfoliation session can slough off the dead skin cells that can otherwise obstruct your lip balm from reaching and nourishing the fresh skin beneath those flaky patches.

Creating your own lip scrub is a breeze with household ingredients. Here's what you'll need
1 tablespoon of exfoliating element, such as sugar or sea salt
1 tablespoon of emollient, like honey or oil
A small bowl or container to mix the ingredients
A cotton swab for applying the scrub
A damp washcloth for removal

Let's whip up the lip scrub
1.Combine the exfoliating ingredient (sugar or salt) and the emollient (oil or honey) in a bowl or container.
2.Dip the cotton swab into the scrub mixture.
3.Apply the scrub to your lips using gentle circular motions and slight pressure.
4.Wipe it off using the damp washcloth.

Once your lips are exfoliated, you're ready to employ the following home remedies for soothing, hydrating, and safeguarding your chapped lips.

Coconut Oil: Unlike the rest of your skin, your lips lack a strong protective barrier. They're more susceptible to external elements like cold winds or scorching heat. Coconut oil isn't just a moisturizer; it actually enhances your skin's defense mechanism, as per a recent study. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are a boon for chapped lips. Apply coconut oil as needed during the day by dabbing it onto your lips with a clean finger or a cotton swab. You can easily find pure, organic coconut oil both online and at local grocery and health stores.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera, renowned for its soothing effect on sunburns, is equally effective in tackling chapped lips due to its anti-inflammatory qualities. You can opt for organic aloe vera gel or go for the fresh gel extracted from an aloe plant leaf. For the latter, just slice open a leaf, scoop out the gel, store it in a container, and apply it to your lips using your fingers. Remember, aloe vera contains enzymes with mild exfoliating properties, so stick to using it only two or three times a day.

Honey: Honey's antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing attributes have been substantiated by numerous studies. Its moisturizing effect and the ability to protect cracked lips from infections make it a time-tested home remedy. It also gently exfoliates, helping remove dry, dead skin. Opt for organic honey and apply it to your lips throughout the day using your fingers or a cotton swab. However, if you have allergies to pollen or bee venom, steer clear of honey and honey products

Avocado Butter: Research attests that avocado butter is an excellent emollient and thickener for lip balms. It's easily absorbed and non-greasy, containing beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants like oleic and linoleic acid. You can purchase organic avocado butter or craft your own by processing organic avocados in a food processor. To use on chapped lips, apply as needed with your fingers or a cotton swab.

Petroleum Jelly: The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using white petroleum jelly throughout the day and before bed to moisturize and alleviate dry, cracked lips. This jelly keeps water sealed in longer compared to oils and waxes. It's cost-effective and readily available online and at drugstores. However, if your lips are sunburned, consider an alternative, as petroleum jelly can trap heat from burns.

So, what steps can you take to prevent chapped lips in the first place? Keeping your lips well-moisturized is just the beginning. Here are some additional measures to protect your lips from drying out:

• Refrain from licking your lips, as saliva evaporates quickly, leaving them drier than before.
• Stay hydrated by drinking ample water to keep your lips and body hydrated.
• Use a humidifier to introduce moisture into dry air indoors.
• Be cautious of lip products containing irritants like fragrance, dyes, or alcohol.
• Shield your lips from the elements by using a lip cream or balm with sunscreen before stepping outside.
• Practice nose breathing to avoid mouth breathing, which can lead to dry mouth and lips. Consult a doctor about sinus and allergy medication if congestion is a recurring issue.

By combining these remedies and preventive measures, you can bid adieu to chapped lips and welcome the comfort of a well-nourished, healthy smile.