Dry scaly skin is a skin condition marked by itching, scaling and cracking. It may be caused by a variety of reasons such as dry or cold conditions. It is an uncomfortable condition, especially on your lips. Unlike your skin, your lips lack oil glands and have thin skin layer making them be at a higher risk of becoming chapped so easily. Dry lips can be a symbol of body dehydration. Moisturizing them can be challenging especially if they are prone to dry lips.
1. Drink Plenty Of Water
Water has numerous benefits in your body, which includes keeping your body hydrated and free from toxins. Ensure that you take a minimum of 8 glasses of water on daily basis. Failure to take enough water leads to dehydration, which is a major cause of dry lips. It is one of the best ways on how to keep your lips moisturized from inside out.
2. Apply a Lip Balm
You should apply a lip balm throughout the day to keep your lips moist. Applying a lip balm is one of the ways on how to you’re your lips moisturized always. They create a barrier that hinders the environmental factors from damaging your lips. They are also used to seal in moisture. Select a lip balm with sunscreen to prevent them from damage by the sun rays. Look for that with an SPF value of 15 and above. You can opt for a petroleum, natural oil or beeswax based lip balm. Ensure that you avoid those that contain flavors, dyes, or fragrances as they may irritate your skin.
3. Choose Moisturizing Lipsticks
Lipsticks can dry out your lips if not chosen appropriately. You are advised to opt for moisturizing lipsticks. Ensure that you apply the lipstick after applying a lip balm. If you opt to use a matte lip color, apply a heavy layer of lip balm. Some of the good choices are Aloe Vera gel, coconut oil, and olive oil. Look for vitamin-enriched lipstick.
4. Breathe Through Your Nose
Avoid a habit of breathing through your mouth as it may cause our lips to dry faster.
5. Avoid Licking Your Lips
Licking may seem inconsequential at first, but a habit may develop quickly over time. If possible avoid licking your lips all the time. Many tend to think that licking them is one of the ways on how to keep your lips moisturized. Licking your lips actually dries them out. Your saliva contains digestive enzymes such as maltase and amylase that tend to wear down the thin skin layer of your lips. This leaves them vulnerable to the environmental factors such as dry air, sun etc.
6. Run a Humidifier At Your Home
Dry air in your home can lead to dry lips. An air conditioner can dry out the air at your home. A humidifier will help in preventing your lips from drying as a result of dry air.
7. Limit Or Avoids Foods That Might Dry Out Your Lips
Some food may dry up your lips or cause irritations. They include salty foods such as popcorn and chips, spicy foods, and citrus fruits. If possible, you can limit these foods or avoid them if your lips are already dry. You can apply a lip balm before eating these foods to avoid them from causing danger to your lips. Take a balanced diet, which contains a lot of vitamins and minerals.
8. Remove Dry Flaky Skin
Exfoliating your lips will help you to remove dry flaky skin. This makes them appear smooth. You can use your toothbrush with soft bristles to gently brush on your lips. Apply a lip balm after rinsing and dry patting them. A lip scrubber is also effective in sloughing off dead skin. It contains moisturizing ingredients that help to keep your lips moist. Make a lip scrub by mixing olive oil and sugar. You can also use a wet soft washcloth over your lips to wipe off the remaining exfoliating scrub. Exfoliate at least once in a week.
Conclusion
Your lips are always exposed and hence they are prone to dryness. They are at a higher risk of dehydration in both cold and dry seasons. Dry lips can be red, rough and sometimes painful. Like your skin, your lips needs attention and care to keep them soft and smooth. It is important to always keep them moisturized. The mentioned tips will help to keep them moisturized throughout. Ensure that you live a healthy lifestyle that entails a healthy balanced diet, plenty of water, avoid stress, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. This will not only maintain healthy body systems but also the health of your lips and skin from inside out.
