Lips are one of the most alluring features of our face. But, are you sure you are taking care of them and pampering them as much as they deserve? Do you know, it is essential to follow a lip care routine just like you stick to your skin care ritual?Â
Though lip dryness and skin peeling off from those dry lips are normal during winters, it is not something that we can be ignorant about, when it leads to a condition called, cheilitis.
Let us dive in to know more about our lips, different home remedies and solutions to unlock the secret to attain luscious, soft and plump lips. Ah…..stop peeling your lip skin right now and start reading through.
Basic anatomy of lips:
Lips comprise of very thin layers of skin and they lack the protective outer layer that is present in the rest of our skin and face making them an easy target for external factors like pollution, dust, air with no moisture etc.
To make it easier to comprehend, if we suppose, face skin is 15-16 layers thick, your lip skin is just 5-6 layers thick. Lack of the stratum corneum (outer layer) makes it prone to getting dry and irritated easily and more often.  Â
It is quintessential to understand that lips do not have sebaceous glands, which are responsible for oil secretion. These glands are present in the other parts of your face and skin, keeping them lubricated and soft. Absence of these glands makes your lips susceptible to redness and itching leading to peeling off of the lip skin.
Why do my lips get dry?
1. Dry weather
Lack of moisture in the air causes dry lips. This may happen to people living in regions where dry climatic conditions prevail and people living in cold countries may experience the same.
2. Irritation
As stated earlier, the thinner lip skin suffers from irritation and redness when exposed to certain undesirable components of the environment. These components are easily absorbed by the skin of the lips rather than that of the face or other parts of the body.
3. Sun damage
The harmful UV rays from the sun tend to damage the skin on the lips which can cause it to peel off. It is important to be mindful of the fact that sun-damaged skin cells do not have the capability of getting renewed through the layers.
4. Angular cheilitis
People wearing braces or mouth guards would have experienced cracking and peeling in the corners of the mouth especially during the later part of the day. This happens due to saliva gathering in the corners of the mouth which could in turn cause cracked lips.
5. Improper Diet
There is a strong association between your diet and lip health…..isn’t this making you raise your eyebrows? But yes, what you eat, undeniably affects the appearance and well-being of your lips. Munching on salty and spicy food can result in lip dryness….want to know more? Read further!
The salt that is present in the savory treat that you have gobbled up just now, stays on your lips and removes the moisture from your lips. Correspondingly, eating spicy food leads to inflammation and irritation of the lips as it facilitates water loss.
6. Medications
According to MedicalNewsToday, if you are someone who is under medication that contains Accutane or you are going through chemotherapy or you have been put on antidepressants, antihistamines, antibiotics etc., it may, beyond question, have a negative impact on your lip health.
7. Vitamin deficiency
We have explored how vitamin deficiencies can lead to premature hair greying. Skim through the blog about hair greying at an early age to know more.
A rash around your mouth may be a warning sign given by the nutrient deficiencies inside your system. All vitamins including Vitamin B12, which helps in cell regeneration and promotes healing of dry and cracked lips are instrumental in the good health of your lips.
8. Using chemical laden lip care products
Lip balms are occlusive in nature. They add a streak of shine and dazzle on your lips. But, do you check the ingredients while purchasing one and do you actually know what to look for in a lip balm?
Lip balms that are formulated with glycerin and hyaluronic acid remove the moisture from your lips, doing the opposite of what is expected. On the other hand, lip balms that contain natural butters seal the moisture onto your lips and keep it hydrated day in and day out.
But in today’s world, where anything and everything contains chemicals in some form, where do I find a natural and safe option is a question that keeps lingering in our minds.Â
Why worry when Sukham handmade has come up with the answer? Whether you need to prevent dry and chapped lips or help your tired lips in healing from irritation and dryness, our natural lip balms made up of 100% unrefined butters and other carefully chosen ingredients would be a trusted and excellent choice.
Having been curated by a mother, our products are absolutely safe for your tiny tots too as they are completely free from chemicals and synthetic ingredients. Choose nature, Choose Sukham Handmade!
How do I get rid of dry lips (chapped lips)?
1. Healthy diet
In reversing any of your internal or external body ailments, following a healthy and balanced diet takes the first and foremost place and there is no dispute in it.
It is essential to consume all vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean meat, fish and lots and lots of greens to maintain your skin health. This would help in keeping your lips silky smooth, soft and plump.
Avoiding treats with high levels of salt and spice gives a helping hand in optimizing the health of your lips.
2. Use lip balm and lip scrub
Invest in a good lip balm made up of organic ingredients, during the day and night, as chemicals may dry out your lips further. Repeat the application of the balm whenever needed.
This soothes chapped lips and adds a layer of protection. Lip scrub removes dead skin tissues from your skin and reveals soft and supple lips. Made with brown sugar, coffee, cocoa and essential oils, Sukham Handmade’s natural lip scrub makes your lips more attractive and velvety.
3. Allergies from toothpaste
Did you know allergies from toothpaste can cause pigmentation in lips? Yes, observe and check if you are allergic to the toothpaste you are using right now and switch to a new one if required.
4. Stop licking your lips
Being tempted to lick your lips often when your lips are dry is normal. But, beware, this will end up in a vicious cycle. Lips become dry, you lick them, they become even more dry, you lick them, repeat….
5. Hydrate yourself
Drinking lots of water is of paramount importance when it comes to curing dry lips. This keeps your lips free from cracks and dryness and puts irritation at bay.       Â
But, how will I wrap up the blog without giving natural home remedies!?
Here they are,
6.Aloe vera and honey magic
The anti-inflammatory and skin protecting properties of aloe vera nourishes cracked and dry lips and makes them hydrated and soft.Â
Apply a small amount of fresh aloe vera gel mixed with honey which has fabulous exfoliating properties, on your dry lips and wash off after 10 minutes. Lovely lips in a jiffy!
Aloe vera also helps in achieving glowing skin naturally through a simple massage.
7. Banana and curd lip pack for gorgeous lips
Mix some mashed banana with two teaspoons of curd and make it a smooth paste. Apply it on your lips and leave it as such for 10 minutes. Wash off with plain water.Â
The vitamins and antioxidants present in bananas keep your lips glossy and healthy. Vitamins including Vitamin B12 and lactic acid present in curd replenishes the skin of your lips and adds glow to it.
8. Beetroot and butter bash
Extract the juice of a small piece of beetroot and mix it with butter and apply on your skin. This acts as a lip balm and a lip gloss simultaneously.Â
Beetroot is rich in Vitamin C, iron and a plethora of nutrients and it adds a red tint to your lips besides nourishing them so well. Butter which is rich in fat and vitamins A, E, D and K adds in extra moisture to your skin making it lustrous.
Bonus tip: Smoothen your lips with coconut oil
Being the highest natural source of lauric acid, coconut oil acts as an excellent emollient which nourishes dry and chapped lips, strengthens the skin of the lips and restores moisture.Â
Apply coconut oil on your lips and see how your lips glow over time. In case, you are suffering from painful cracked heels, coconut oil heals them and provides relief.Â
Hope you have got all practical solutions to get rid of dry lips!
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, soft, smooth and healthy lips make your smile brighter and undoubtedly appealing. Giving ample care to your lips will make them sparkle like never before.Â
Level up your lip care routine with Sukham handmade and flaunt your luscious lips. Pour in all your love on your lips, for they light up your face.