3 Do’s and 3 Don’ts to Prevent Chapped Lips

It might be the weather, your diet, environmental factors or any other number of reasons your lips go annoyingly dry, some to the point of bleeding.

Chapped lips are an uncomfortable condition that seems to linger, constantly letting you know it’s there. Maybe you turn into that constant lip smacker or pick at it until, well you know, but either way sometimes over-the-counter remedies don’t work. They can burn, flake off, turn white, grease you up but keep you chapped, or just cost too much.

Whether you want to try something else or need a quick fix home remedy, these 3 do’s and 3 don’ts to prevent chapped lips may be a welcome treatment for your puckers.

Do Squeeze Some Aloe

Everyone should have an aloe vera plant in their home. It is a veritable medicine chest when it comes to the skin. All you need to do is slice off a piece of one of its thick, sap filled leaves (don’t worry it won’t kill the plant) and rub some on your lips for a natural moisturizing boost, and then some.

According to a study published in The International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda – AYU, it showed aloe vera as having an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal effect on the skin while also providing antioxidant compounds.

The study stated that,

“Mucopolyssacarides [sugar molecules] help in binding moisture into the skin. It was proposed that the Aloe vera gel containing products improved skin hydration possibly by means of a humectant [moistening] mechanism.”

The taste can be unpleasantly bitter so try not to lick your lips once applied.

Don’t Use E

You may have thought that puncturing a gel filled vitamin E cap and rubbing the viscous goo on your lips was the natural, nutritional way to go. Turns out it may not be a good idea.

Researchers from the University of Miami Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miami, Florida conducted a study on vitamin E published in Dermatologic Surgery which concluded that 33% of test subjects that used vitamin E for scar treatment developed contact dermatitis (irritating skin condition that can cause redness, rashes and itchiness). As a result the Contact Dermatitis Institute labels vitamin E an allergen.

Do Hydrate

Keeping hydrated is an easy way to maintain skin moisture. This really is a no brainer so if you don’t think you’re getting enough H20, try a few of these tips to put more in your body (4-8, eight to twelve ounce cups per day should do it).

• Drink at room temperature
• Try a natural vitamin powder pack for taste (don’t go over instructed dosage)
• Add lemon, orange or lime (freeze these and use instead of ice)
• Drink from a stainless steel bottle for better taste and freshness
• Change your water filter for better taste

Don’t Fall for Colors and Flavors

Sure, it’s nice to smell and even taste chapped lip remedies but chances are your lips aren’t going to get much relief. Dyes, synthetically infused flavored waxes, and other chemically derived attempts at chocolate, bubble gum, cola and other lip balm products can irritate and even dry out your lips.

Sometimes, even natural oils can be marred by manufacturing manipulation and microscopic rancidity.

Do Honey

Honey is a powerful healing nectar. It has been used for ages as a skin salve with antibacterial and moisture locking properties.

Evidence Based Complimentary Alternative Medicine recommended medical honey be more studied for its “antibacterial properties and additional beneficial effects…as an alternative treatment approach in wounds of different natures.”

Try applying raw honey from a wooden stick, like a tongue depressor, to your lips. Unlike aloe vera, this one is sweet so try not to taste it so as to keep it in place, instead take a teaspoon for yourself as honey can be beneficial when consumed on its own.

Don’t Beeswax

Beeswax can contain trace or high amounts of propolis, a sticky, gluelike substance that, on its own, is full of healing properties but when applied to the lips can gunk up as well as cause dermatitis.

An article on propolis by two researchers from Department of Oral Pathology, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere, India and published in the Journal of Pharmacy and BioAllied Sciences,

“Propolis seems to be one of the most frequent contact sensitizers and should be included in routine patch testing in children and adolescents before prescribing.”

Take care of your smackers and try these 3 do’s and 3 don’ts to prevent chapped lips for less dryness, especially when battling the elements or when other lips are interested in yours.