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There are no two ways about itchapped lips are a total pain.
David Espejo/Getty Images
You might find thechanges in temperaturecauses dry, itchy, flaking, and even cracking and bleeding.
All you need is a little help from the experts.
First, what exactly are chapped lips?
Chapped lips are pretty much what the name suggests: lips that are dry and appear cracked.
It’s often a catch-all term describe dry, flaky, cracked and sore lips.
What are the major causes of chapped lips?
Of course, external factors can be to blame for dry, chapped lips.
Freezing temperatures, increased wind speeds, sun exposure (yep, even when its cold out!
), and indoor heating are all culprits.
Keep some lip balm handy in every coat pocket to protect your lips.
Bad habits might be the reason for your chronically parched lips and you might not even know about them.
Not sure if you do this?
Another factor to be cognizant of is irritation from a product or an allergy.
Yep, irritation can also be due to everyday skin-care products.
“These products are designed to exfoliate your skin to improve [breakouts].
If they get on your lips, you will find your lips are persistently dry and cracked.”
Apply vaseline or balm to your lips before applying products formulated with acids or strong active ingredients.
Keeping lips hydrated throughout the day is the best course of action to combat this.
One of the more serious causes of chapped lips is sun damage.
How can you avoid chapped lips?
The first step to avoiding chapped lips is ruling out any underlying causes that can be immediately solved.
This includes allergy testing and getting checked out by your dermatologist for actinic cheilitis.
Next is all about regular treatment.
In mild cases, the skin on the lips may be able to repair itself.
This is something you could reapply throughout the day or also as a thicklip maskjust before bed.
you’ve got the option to also add ahumidifierto your nighttime routine to restore moisture to the air.
you’re able to also layer your lip products.
Think of it asslugging your lips.Dr.
The best way to treat chapped lips is to prevent them in the first place, explains Dr. Zeichner.
Applying a product after youve got out of the shower or right before bed is ideal.
Dr. Zeichner also recommends applying balm after eating to ensure lips are properly hydrated throughout the day.
Exfoliating can be a great way to rid flakes but you must be careful not to overdo it.
We also loveLaneige Lip Sleeping Maskfor this, too.
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Now check out more lip treatments to try:
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