Suffering from dry and chapped lips, why it happens and what to do to solve it

Dry or chapped lips occur when the soft skin of the lips loses moisture. This causes the lips to dry out and become damaged.

Dry or chapped lips occur when the soft skin of the lips loses moisture. This causes the lips to dry out and become damaged. The skin of the lips does not have oil glands, so it easily becomes dry, chapped and flaky. Cold, wind, sunlight or dry air can reduce the natural moisture, and daily habits and lifestyle can also aggravate this problem.

Symptoms of dry lips:

Lips feel tight or rough;
Layering or peeling of the skin, sometimes torn or cracked;
Redness or inflammation;
In severe cases, small cracks or bleeding;
Burning or pain when eating salty, bitter or acidic foods.

Common causes of dry lips:

Cold, windy or dry weather;
Licking the lips, which further reduces moisture;
Breathing through the mouth while sleeping or exercising;
Smoking;
Not drinking enough water;
Using harsh cosmetic products for the skin or lips;
Lack of vitamin B2, B6 or red blood cells;
Allergies or illnesses such as fever or cold.
Read more: Nutritionist's advice on proper diet for working people

Home remedies and care:

Drink enough water: 2-3 liters of water a day keeps the body, including the lips, hydrated.
Eat watery foods: Foods like cucumber, watermelon, oranges help maintain moisture.
Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals: green vegetables, nuts, eggs, etc.
Use natural oils: Apply coconut oil or almond oil 2-3 times a day.
Use ghee or shea butter: Helps heal chapped lips quickly.
Avoid licking lips: Saliva dries quickly and increases dryness.
Use a humidifier at home: Maintains humidity in a hot or air-conditioned room.
Avoid bitter, salty or spicy foods: Cracks increase irritation.
Regular hydration, proper diet and protection from harsh weather are important for lip care. Use gentle, fragrance-free and moisture-retaining lip products. Avoiding the habit of licking lips, smoking or breathing through the mouth will keep the lips healthy in the long run. It is possible to keep the lips smooth, hydrated and beautiful at all times with the right habits and home care.

Source: Times of India