As summer turns into fall and temperatures begin to get
cooler many people start experiencing issues with chapped or dry lips.
Unlike skin on the rest of the body, the lips do not have a
natural protective barrier, making them easily susceptible to irritation and
damage. The lips are constantly exposed to moisture and potential irritants in
the form of saliva, food and drinks, pollutants, and the effects of cold, windy
weather – all of which can cause some serious lip issues.
Even though the lips need as much (and perhaps more) care as
our skin they are often overlooked. Here are 7 simple ways to keep your lips
healthy.
Licking Your Lips
Every time the tongue covers the lips they become coated
with saliva, which tends to evaporate quickly. Thus constant lip licking leads
to constant evaporation, resulting in dryness and irritation. To make things
worse, many of the natural enzymes in saliva that break up food can be harsh on
the lips.
Mouth Breathing
Open mouth breathing streams dry air over the lips each time
you breathe in and out. This exposure sucks the moisture out of the lips.
Simply inhaling and exhaling through the nose will shield the lips from this
dry airflow.
Lip Sharing
Kissing or sharing drinks or utensils with friends and family
can expose your lips to viruses, bacteria, and fungi; all of which can enter
lips though cracks and irritate the area. So be careful with your lips.
Healthy Diet
Good lip health depends on a steady intake of vitamins and
minerals, so stick to healthy, nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruits and
vegetables. Vitamin B and vitamin E are especially important for healthy lips
and skin. Skin Cuticles Antioxidant Lip Repair is a great product that uses a
blend of vitamins and antioxidants to keep the lips healthy.
Good Lip Balm
Lip balm seals in moisture while shielding the lips from
external irritants. Go for a lip balm with a base of beeswax, petroleum jelly
or paraffin as they will not evaporate rapidly like thinner lip balms or lip
gloss. Look out for ingredients like salicylic acid, menthol, camphor, and
added fragrance, all of which can be drying.
If your lips are already irritated look for a product
containing aloe Vera, a great natural way to heal damaged, chopped, or sun
burnt lips. While you’re at it go for a product that offers SPF protection and
shield your lips from the harmful rays of the sun.
Finally, it’s recommended to gently exfoliate the lips
weekly. This allows a lip balm to better penetrate the lips and provide
enhanced protection.
Lip Workout
Are you after plumper and fuller lips but want to steer away
from cosmetic procedures? Instead of fillers or lip implants there is something
you can do daily to enhance your lips:
Take a few minutes daily to flex your lips in all
directions: pucker up, lay them flat, smile, and stretch your mouth. These
simple movements can increase blood circulation, giving the lips a plumper and
fuller appearance.
See your doctor
If you experience prolonged and persistent dryness,
irritation, itchiness, or pain in the lips it may be time to see a
dermatologist. Many lip issues can be caused by infection or poor nutrition and
will not heal on their own. A physician can determine the root cause of the
issue and create a treatment plan.