If you have dry lips, you need to adopt a natural lip care routine to treat them. Using chapstick alone isn’t going to take care of the problem. The first step to any lip care routine is finding out why your lips are getting dry in the first place. Are you dealing with any of the following?
- Dehydration – Are you drinking enough water? The recommended daily intake is two liters or more. Dry and chapped lips are a common sign of dehydration. Drink enough water and add fruits to rehydrate your body.
- Exposure – Your lips are covered by a thin layer of skin, which means any amount of exposure to the elements may cause it to dry and crack. Protect your lips with a scarf or face mask when going out in extreme weather.
- Licking your lips – It’s hard not to lick your lips when you feel they are dry. But then, by doing so, you’re introducing saliva to your skin. Saliva has chemicals used for breaking food down, and they will also break the skin around your lips, causing them to dry. Take a sip of water any time you have the urge to lick your lips.
- Toothpaste – Some brands of toothpaste have additives that may cause irritation and dryness to your lips. Consider going for a toothpaste with natural ingredients.
- Diet – Salty and spicy foods may dry your lips. Ensure to add a considerable amount of healthy fats to your diet. Coconut oil is an excellent example of healthy fats that can keep your lips moisturized.
- Nutrient deficiencies – If you’re low on zinc, iron, or vitamins, it may cause your lips to dry and crack on the sides. Ensure that you increase your servings of fruits and vegetables to provide your body with the necessary nutrients. You can also start taking multivitamins. They are a great addition to your diet.
- Conventional lip products – Parabens, chemicals, sunscreens, or artificial flavors are surprisingly common in some lip products. These additives can cause considerable damage to your lips, so be wary of what you’re spreading on your lips.
Creating a Natural Lip Care Routine
Follow this simple natural lip care routine to heal your dry and chapped lips. It will also help keep your lips moisturized and hydrated to prevent new issues from forming.
- Remove your makeup – Ensure you use gentle cleansers that clear away any lipstick, gloss, or liner.
- Exfoliate your lips using a sugar scrub – Apply a tiny amount of sugar scrub and gently massage your top and bottom lips. Ensure you do it gently, and when you’re done, wash it off. Sugar is a gentle way to remove dead skin cells from your lips, and it will leave your lips feeling soft and smooth. You can exfoliate once or twice every week.
- Apply a moisturizing lip balm – Use a lip balm with natural ingredients to moisturize and keep your lips hydrated. You can apply it twice a day or when you feel your lips are dry.
For more ideas on how to keep your lips healthy and plumper, go to My Awesome Beauty.