Have you ever experienced trying to smile only to be cut short because your lips hurt? Well, I’ve been suffering from extremely chapped lips lately – why exactly, I don’t know. What I do know is that it is irritating and sometimes painful. I’ve tried everything from Chapstik to Nivea Lip Moisturizer seem to do the trick. I am currently using petroleum jelly but my lips go back to being chapped after a while. This led me to do some research on this matter – let me share them with you.
I think the tips from Mayo Clinic make a lot of sense:
• Use an oil-based lubricating cream, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment, or lip balm containing petrolatum or beeswax.
• Apply lip cream, balm or lipstick before going out in cold, dry weather. Reapply several times while outside.
• Choose a lip cream or balm that contains sunscreen. Sun exposure contributes to chapped lips.
• Avoid licking your lips. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips drier than before you licked them.
• Avoid using a flavored lip balm, which can tempt you to lick your lips.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Dehydration can contribute to chapped lips.
• Use a humidifier at home to keep air moist.
Aha! Flavored lip balm! I suppose I should try one that is not flavored. Or maybe, a product that contains beeswax would be better. I also found out that Burt’s Bees seem to work well for a lot people. Another option would be Neutrogena – they’ve always had effective products. I think I shall head on out to the drugstore tomorrow to check what they have – I’ll update you on this. If you have any recommendations, do share them with me, please.
Originally posted on April 2, 2008 @ 11:41 pm