Windy days, cold seasons, and, of course, the ever-popular dry heating air are often responsible for chapped and cracked lips. If lips crack, it can sometimes become painful – especially when the cracks appear in the corners of the mouth. However, you don't have to just live with this problem; you can actively work against chapped lips. With a few home remedies, you can help yourself wonderfully; here are the best tips:
Why do lips need special care?
The skin of the lips is very thin and sensitive – which is why our lips tend to dry out and crack, especially in winter. To prevent this from happening so often, you should regularly provide your lips with fat and moistureto the fingernails.
Lipsticks are decorative, but they do not particularly protect or nourish the lips. In autumn and winter, our lips require special products that counteract dry and chapped areas. Dry heating air, sudden changes in weather, and diet also contribute to the fact that lips crave rich care. Consume plenty of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements as these can manifest as iron deficiency symptoms through cracks in the corners of the mouth and chapped lips.
What care products are available for the lips?
The classic among lip balms is undoubtedly the Labello, which enjoyed great popularity at the beginning of the last century and can still be found in almost every household today. The twist-tube design is particularly innovative and popular – you can quickly pull out the lip balm, care for your lips, and store it back in jackets, handbags, and cosmetic bags.
But there are also Lip balm in jars and tubes, although the tube version is certainly preferred by many for hygienic reasons. Lip balm sometimes contains essential oils, which support wound healing and thus prevent the lips from drying out. Often, some balms smell like herbs – this is less appealing to most consumers, but the results and effects are unbeatable.
Furthermore, you can also use Lip scrub for special care. The fine exfoliating particles, which usually consist of ground apricot kernels, are intended to remove old skin cells and thus reveal softer and better-cared-for lips. This scrub should only be used once a week. To do this, distribute a peanut-sized amount on the lips and massage the paste onto the lips in circular motions. Afterwards, the scrub is thoroughly removed with lukewarm water.
Can too much care harm my lips?
We now know that the lips are very thin and sensitive. Cold, heat, and UV rays are often responsible when lips feel chapped, cracked, and torn. Since lips have neither sebaceous nor sweat glands, we must care for our lips regularly. In addition to lip care products and lip scrubs, you can also massage your lips once a week with your toothbrush. This promotes blood circulation and also removes dead skin flakes. Caution: gently stroke the toothbrush over the lips with massaging movements and refrain from treating them too harshly, as this can otherwise lead to injuries on the lips.
Excessive care can also harm the lips. Certainly, lips should be cared for regularly, but if you overdo it, the lips can no longer work properly, absorb air, and regeneration stalls. Also, pay attention to the ingredients of the lip care products. The additive Paraffin dries out the lips additionally – if this substance is not contained in the product, the lips will be less over-cared for.
Home remedies for chapped lips
Honey
The simplest and cheapest home remedy for chapped lips is honey. From time to time, apply a small amount of honey to the lips and let it take effect for about 10-15 minutes. Then either lick it off or wash it off with water. Honey contains enzymes that promote wound healing and inhibit inflammation.
Butter
Don't like honey? Then you can also rub your dry lips with butter. Now massage with a soft toothbrush and the lips will become soft again. This procedure increases blood circulation in the lips and makes them softer again.
Curd/Quark
Simply spread a little of the dairy product on your mouth and let it soak in for 10 minutes. This remedy not only nourishes the lips but also has pleasantly cooling and soothing properties.
Honey & Sesame Oil
Anyone who wants to be on the safe side can simply make their own lip care product at home. Here is a recipe with honey and sesame oil
What is needed
- some honey,
- a little sesame oil and
- grated beeswax
Everything is slowly melted together in a water bath. Depending on your taste, some essential oil can be added to the melted mass and placed in a jar before it solidifies. This can be used to grease the lips again and again, keeping them nice and soft.
Honey & Almond Oil
What is needed
- 2 tbsp honey warm in a water bath
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and
- 50 ml almond oil (available at the pharmacy)
Mix the ingredients into a cream. Apply this paste thickly to the lips and let it take effect for 15 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water.
Lip scrub
What is needed
- Toothbrush
- a little water
Instructions
You only need a clean toothbrush and some water for this. Moisten your toothbrush and massage your lips with light pressure in circular motions. Then remove the small skin flakes with some water and pat your lips dry with a towel. Now it is best to use a moisturizer to care for your lips.
Image by Janine, meinhaushalt.at
Read also:Â Home remedies for fuller lips
