If you've experienced dry, cracked lips, you know just how uncomfortable and often painful they can be! Unlike the rest of the face, the skin on the lips is thinner (like, 10 cell layers thinner) and doesn't have oil or sweat glands, which help to naturally moisturize and protect the skin. Thankfully, there are several derm-approved ways to heal chapped lips and restore your pouty suppleness - fast!
Hydrate!
Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining healthy skin, including the skin on your lips. Dehydration can worsen chapped lips, so make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go and aim to drink at least 10 glasses of water daily.
Protect Your Lips
Exposure to harsh weather conditions, frigid temperatures and strong winds, can strip the moisture from your lips. To protect them, apply lip balm before heading outside (gold star if your lip balm contains SPF!). Look for hydrating ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil to lock in moisture and shield your lips from the elements. If your lips are severely chapped, consider a lip serum or lip treatment for a higher concentration of healing ingredients.
GK ProTip: Apply a moisturizer over the lips. Yes. Moisturizer. Applying a natural moisturizer underneath lip balm, gloss, or lipstick primes and hydrates the lips, and helps prevent lip colour from fading and feathering.
Reapply, Reapply, Reapply!
Wouldn't it be nice if once a day was enough? No dice. Whether you're speaking, snacking, or sipping, saliva gradually dries out the skin on your lips and removes the lip balm layer at the same time. Reapplication throughout the day, especially before you step outside, is needed to heal chapped lips.
DYK: a lip balm base is the secret to making your natural lipstick last longer. And - because not all lip formulas are created equal – some may be super nourishing, others can leave your lips dry and chapped. Pucker up and nourish your lips with a natural lip balm before and after applying your lipstick to avoid chapped lips.
Exfoliate (gently, please!)
Regular lip exfoliation removes dry skin, which helps to heal and prevent chapped and dry lips. However, it's super-duper important to be gentle, as the skin on your lips is delicate. You can use a soft toothbrush or a DIY lip scrub made from honey and sugar to exfoliate your lips once or twice a week. Fitglow's Lip Scrub uses a rich blend of natural ingredients to buff away dead skin and revitalize rough or peeling lips. Blueberry, cranberry and pomegranate seeds are used as a natural exfoliant, while skin-softening shea butter heals and treats lips. Remember to follow up with your nourishing lip balm afterward.
Say No to Licking and Biting
Licking your lips may provide temporary relief, but it actually worsens the problem. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips drier than before. Saliva is also full of enzymes that are harsh on the delicate lip skin. Similarly, biting or peeling off the dry skin on your lips can lead to further irritation and delay the healing process. Resist! (We know. Easier said than done.)
Overnight Lip Treatment
Investing in an overnight lip mask and using it consistently is a level-up for building and retaining hydration and healing chapped lips. Give your lips some TLC with a generous layer Fitglow's Night Lip Serum. The reviews don't lie. This liquid gold is specifically formulated to hydrate, repair, and strengthen the lip moisture barrier, and it will quickly soothe cracks and prevent future dryness. If your lips are seriously parched - a night lip serum is the secret to healing chapped lips fast!
Avoid Irritants
Certain products and ingredients can exacerbate chapped lips. Avoid using lip products with artificial fragrances, alcohol, and parabens, as they can be drying and irritating. (Read more about our commitment to healthy beauty products here). Opt for lip balm formulas specifically formulated to soothe and heal chapped lips.
Our Takeaway
Implementing dermatologists' suggestions like avoiding harsh ingredients, replenishing the lip skin with a lip serum or lip treatment, and gently exfoliating, will heal your chapped lips in no time. For questions about our lip care lineup, contact your knowledgeable Green Kiss Educator.
All copy found on The Green Kiss website is written for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
10 Swaps We've Made To Make Our Small Business More Sustainable
One of our founding commitments as a business in the health and beauty space is prioritizing sustainability. Here are 10 swaps we've made to make our small business more sustainable.
The Ice Water Facial Guide to Glowing Skin
Ice water facials are gaining serious traction among skincare pros. But why subject yourself to such torture? ... The results speak for themselves!
The 2024 Natural Shampoo Guide For Fine Hair
While we can't all be blessed with thick, luscious locks, a natural shampoo tailored to fine hair makes a huge difference!