This article was medically reviewed by Tymia Yvette. Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
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If you are tired of having dry, cracked, peeling, or chapped lips, there are some things you can do to help them. Caring for your lips requires you to keep them healthy both inside and out. To get the healthy lips of your dreams you should treat them gently and use protective products on them. You should also care for your overall health so that your lips stay in good condition.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 11:Avoid licking your lips.
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1Saliva will actually dry your lips out. When you lick your lips it is usually in an attempt to moisturize them. In fact, not only does it dry out the surface, it also creates a lot of damaging friction on the lips.
- It can be hard to stop licking your lips when you do it subconsciously. Try to be very conscious of what you are doing with your tongue and do something else with your mouth, such as sucking on a toothpick.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 11:Stop picking and biting your lips.
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1Your lips are sensitive surfaces that can be damaged relatively easily. To keep them healthy, avoid damaging the surface by picking at the skin with your fingers or biting at the skin with your teeth.
- Usually, picking happens when there is already damage to the surface of your lips. However, it is much better to leave the surface of your lips alone while they heal than to remove peeling or damaged skin with your fingers.
Method 3
Method 3 of 11:Don't touch your lips excessively.
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1Touching your lips a lot when not necessary can damage them over time. Your goal should be to leave the surface alone as much as possible, so that the skin surface of the lips remains intact.
- This is not to say that you can never touch your lips. It just means that you shouldn't touch your lips all of the time.
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2Keep your lips away from wind and sun. Extreme temperatures and conditions can really do a number on your lips, causing damage to the surface. If possible, protect them from exposure to the elements.[1]
- If you are walking in a windy area, cover your lips with a piece of clothing, such as a scarf.
- If you are spending time in the sun, try to keep your lips protected, either with a piece of clothing or sunscreen.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 11:Treat lip infections and diseases.
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1Get medical treatment for wounds or sores on your lip that lasts several weeks. It is relatively common to have a disease or infection that impacts the health of your lips. Some common lip infections and diseases that can benefit from treatment include:[2]
- Cold sores
- Cheilitis
- Photosensitivity
- Cuts and wounds caused by trauma
Method 5
Method 5 of 11:Use moisturizing products on your lips.
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1Petroleum jelly or lip balm can protect your lips from hot or cold conditions. Extreme weather can harm your lips and leave them chapped and dry, so be sure to give your lips a protective coating so they don't get red and chapped.[3]
- Petroleum jelly is a cheap and effective product that can moisturize your lips and prevent them from getting chapped.
- If you want some color on your lips, try a tinted lip balm or lip gloss. You can also put on lipstick over petroleum jelly if you want color and protection.
- Lip balms come in a variety of scents, like mint and vanilla. You can also use an unscented product.[4]
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Method 6
Method 6 of 11:Apply sunscreen to your lips daily.
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1Exposure to the sun can do a lot of damage to the surface of your lips. Look for a lip balm or chapstick that contains sunscreen and apply it daily before exposing your lips to the sun.
- Pick a lip balm or chapstick that has an SPF rating of 30 or higher.
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2Discontinue using products that irritate your lips. If your lips are tender or swollen, it could be caused by products you are putting on them. Keep track of your symptoms and stop using any products that may be irritating your lips.
- For example, many lip plumping products can be used safely but there is a chance that they will irritate your lips. If the product you are using is irritating or hard on the surface of your lips, stop using it.
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Method 7
Method 7 of 11:Exfoliate your lips lightly, if necessary.
Method 8
Method 8 of 11:Drink plenty of water.
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1Hydrating yourself will help your lips stay moist and healthy. Hydrated lips are less prone to crack or to becoming chapped. You should aim to drink between 2,200–3,000 millilitres (9.3–12.7 c) of fluids every day.[7]
- If you need to drink more water, try carrying water with you at all times.
- Increase your water intake by drinking it at set times every day, such as right when you wake up, when you take a break at work, or when you come home from work.
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Method 9
Method 9 of 11:Eat a healthy diet.
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1A healthy diet makes your skin glow and helps your lips look healthy and natural. One easy way to make your diet healthier is to increase the intake of fresh vegetables and fruits you eat. You should also stay away from junk foods, such as sweets and fried foods.
- You should also change the type of beverages you drink when you are trying to eat a healthier diet. For instance, avoid carbonated drinks, instead go for water or fresh fruit juices.
Method 10
Method 10 of 11:
Stop smoking.
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1Smoking exposes your lips to a variety of toxins, which can damage their surface. One key way to keep your lips healthy is to not smoke. It also dramatically increases your chance of getting lip cancer, which can be life-threatening and severely damaging to the lips.[8]
- If you are having a hard time quitting smoking on your own, talk to your doctor about how they might help you. This may include medication or behavioral therapies.[9]
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Method 11
Method 11 of 11:
Keep your immune system healthy.
References
- ↑ http://u.osu.edu/buckmdblog/2013/01/28/what-can-i-do-to-prevent-chapped-lips/
- ↑ https://u.osu.edu/buckmdblog/2013/01/28/what-can-i-do-to-prevent-chapped-lips/
- ↑ http://u.osu.edu/buckmdblog/2013/01/28/what-can-i-do-to-prevent-chapped-lips/
- ↑ Tymia Yvette. Makeup & Lash Artist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
- ↑ Tymia Yvette. Makeup & Lash Artist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
- ↑ Tymia Yvette. Makeup & Lash Artist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20356431
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-aging-mouth-and-how-to-keep-it-younger
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/cessation/quitting/index.htm
About This Article
If you want to have healthy lips, apply moisturizing products, like petroleum jelly or lip balm, to protect them from the effects of cold or dry weather. You should also protect your lips from the sun by applying a chapstick with an SPF rating of 30 or higher every day. When your lips are flaky and peeling, consider using a gentle exfoliating lip scrub, which can replenish your lips and keep them soft. In addition to using products, you can keep your lips healthy and moist by avoiding the urge to lick them, since saliva actually dries them out. Also, try not to touch your lips excessively or pick and bite them, because lips are sensitive and can be damaged easily. For more tips from our Medical co-author, like how to take care of your general health to keep your lips healthy, read on!
