When the winter cold finally arrives, that can mean many things – frolicking in the snow, sliding on lake ice… and sore chapped lips!
Although you can get chapped lips any time of the year, it is most likely to happen during the cold of winter. There are several main reasons for this:
- The overall humidity levels drop.
- Homes become drier due to turning on the furnace.
- Breathing in cold, windy, harsh air.
- Dehydration.
What’s worse, if left untreated, chapped lips can become cracked, start to bleed – and even get infected.
Your first inclination may be to hibernate for the season, but fear not! You can enjoy crisp and clear winter days without the irritation of chapped lips. Here are some simple dentist home remedies you can try:
To prevent chapped lips:
- Stop licking your lips! Although it is a natural reaction when the air is dry, licking your lips will actually encourage chapping.
- Drink more water. Hydration is key.
- Apply Vaseline before venturing outside into the Great White North.
- Indoors, use a lip balm.
Ouch! If you already have chapped lips, you can soothe them by using:
- Jojoba oil: This aids a speedy recovery. Apply a few drops of jojoba oil to your lips and leave it on for about 20 minutes. It encourages cell repair.
- Sugar and honey: No, it’s not dessert – use this to remove dead skin cells. Create a paste of 2 teaspoons sugar with one teaspoon honey. Apply to you lips and let it sit. Gently use your fingers to massage your lips, and then remove the paste with warm water.
- Coconut or olive oil: They both moisturize and heal. Add a few drops to your lips several times a day.
Don’t let chapped lips hinder your winter plans. Take care of your lips, and explore!
