The surfaces of our lips hold a certain amount of water, and when exposed directly to the cold and wind they become irritated, which can lead to a dry, rough, and painful pout. In some cases they peel, crack and eventually bleed. But this can be prevented with proper care.
Chapped lips occur when natural moisture is lost, and since our lips lack oil glands, this happens quite easily. Apart from exposure to elements, which cannot be helped, over-use of matte lipsticks, eating citric fruits and licking your lips are common habits that can keep you from smiling comfortably. Licking your lips may provide temporary relief but the saliva digests the skin cells leaving lips drier than before. However, if the smacking can’t be curbed, slather your lips with petroleum jelly, and the saliva won’t be able to get through.
There are several ways of keeping your kisser in top shape all year long. Keep your lips coated with lip balm to seal in moisture or wear a creamy lipstick as a protective barrier. Exfoliate your lips once a week. Wet a soft toothbrush and gently brush your lips in a circular motion. If your lips begin to flake, gently buff the peeling skin with a washcloth, then apply and reapply lip balm as needed.
For lips that have already begun to chap, search for a medicated balm containing cooling, pain-reducing ingredients such as camphor, menthol and phenol. For lips that refuse to yield to balms and progress to the more severe cracking and bleeding, try an over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointment.
Healthy lips and skin cells are well nourished, well protected and retain natural moisture, so use preventative measures and drink plenty of water to keep your lips in top shape. Chapped lips also tend to look thinner, appear wrinkled and lose definition. And there’s no question that eliminating dryness will help restore volume and the overall look of your lips. After all, under all those stylish winter clothes a big, painless smile can be your most important accessory.
Make Your Own Healing Lip Balm
You Need:
2 Tbls. Sunflower Oil
1 Tbls. Beeswax
1 Tsp. Cocoa Butter
1 Tsp. Honey
1 Vitamin E Capsule (puncture capsule and use contents)
2 Drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
2 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
2 Drops Lavendar OilWhat to do:
Put the beeswax and oils into a small bowl.
Put the bowl into a pot of water.
Heat the pot of water until the bees wax has melted.
Remove the bowl and gently stir in remaining ingredients.
Transfer into small lip balm containers.
Let cool.Use as needed!
*Great Gift Idea! Make a larger batch, pour into really adorable containers, decorate with ribbons, bows, stickers or glitter, and give away.
Written by Faze’s Sumona Raha
Comments are closed.