BEAUTY
How To Prevent Dry, Flaky Lips
By LILY RAINE
Exfoliate Them
It’s important to remove dry, dead skin from your lips before applying moisturizer as, without exfoliating, the dead skin can block the moisturizer from being properly absorbed. It is best to use a physical exfoliant about twice per week, and an easy DIY exfoliant mix includes sugar, cinnamon, and petroleum jelly.
Try Lip Masks
Overnight lip masks are a great way to give your lips a big boost in hydration, and many of the most popular lip masks, like the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, are made from helpful ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. Your body heals as it sleeps, so this is the optimal time for a lip mask — try using one once or twice a week.
Use The Right Moisturizer
Yummy-smelling flavored lip balms are tempting but often filled with artificial ingredients that can irritate your lips even more. When looking for a lip moisturizer, look for non-irritating ingredients like petroleum jelly, hemp seed oil, ceramides, and mineral oil; if your lips are extra dry, you might even consider a lip ointment.
Use Moisturizer With SPF
Dry lips can be caused by extensive periods in the sun, and damage to the lips due to UV exposure is actually called Actinic Cheilitis. This is essentially a sunburn, and risks causing skin cancer, so it’s best to use a lip moisturizer with SPF to prevent these effects.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking more water can improve any problem caused by dehydration, including dry skin and dry lips. Dehydration isn’t the only cause of chapped lips, it can be a factor and prevent cracked lips from healing quickly, so make sure to carry a water bottle and drink at least eight glasses of water a day.