Chapped? Please. Fix Those Winter Lips

Winter can be harsh on your skin, but your lips are often the first to feel the chill. As the temperature drops, the air becomes drier, and your lips lose moisture faster than you can say “chapped lips.”

Your lips are more sensitive than the rest of your skin because they have a thinner outer layer and lack oil glands. This makes them more prone to drying out and cracking, especially in winter. The lack of humidity in the air, combined with cold winds, can strip away the natural moisture barrier, leaving your lips vulnerable.

With a few simple tips, you can keep your lips soft, supple, and winter-proof all season long. 

female model in winter tan coat

Winter-Proof Your Lips:

  1. Stay Hydrated: Hydration starts from within. Drinking plenty of water ensures that your body and your lips stay moisturized. Aim for at least eight glasses a day to maintain optimal hydration levels.

  2. Use a Humidifier: Indoor heating can suck the moisture out of the air, leaving your skin and lips parched. Using a humidifier at home or in the office can help maintain indoor humidity, preventing your lips from drying out.

  3. Exfoliate Gently: Exfoliating your lips once or twice a week can remove dead skin cells, leaving them smooth and ready to absorb moisture. Use a gentle lip scrub or make one at home using sugar and honey. Remember to be gentle to avoid further irritation.

  4. Choose the Right Lip Balm: Not all lip balms are created equal. Avoid balms with menthol, camphor, or salicylic acid, as these can actually dry out your lips. Instead, opt for balms with the moisturizing ingredients like:
    • Beeswax: This natural substance forms a protective layer on the skin’s surface, sealing in moisture.
    • Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter: These plant-based emollients are excellent for moisturizing and soothing irritated lips.
    • Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its incredible ability to retain moisture, hyaluronic acid can help keep your lips hydrated.
    • Ceramides: These lipids help restore the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss.

  5. Protect Your Lips from the Elements: When heading outdoors, especially in windy or cold conditions, apply a generous layer of lip balm as a protective shield. And if you’re skiing or spending extended time outside, consider a balm with SPF to protect against sun damage.

AND WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T LICK YOUR LIPS!

Sure, licking your lips might feel good in the moment, but it is a skincare version of self-sabotage. You’re just drying them out even more. Instead, keep a hydrating lip balm on hand at all times. Throw one in your purse, your desk, your coat pocket, and your glove compartment. That way, you’ll never be more than 10 steps away from your trusty lip savior. 

If you’re finding that conventional lip care is not effective, these cutting-edge ingredients and technologies are also worth exploring:

1. Encapsulated Hydration: Some products now use encapsulation technology to deliver moisture in a time-released manner, ensuring long-lasting hydration throughout the day.

2. Probiotic-Infused Balms: Probiotics are not just for gut health, they’re also making their way into skincare. Probiotic-infused lip balms can help balance the skin’s microbiome, improving overall lip health.

3. Plant-Based Retinol: Retinol is revered for its anti-aging benefits, but it’s traditionally too harsh for lips. However, plant-based alternatives like bakuchiol offer similar benefits without irritation, making them ideal for lip care.

Cold weather can be brutal on your lips but your pout doesn’t have to suffer. Keep them soft, layer on your favorite balm, and stay effortlessly flawless all season. Smooth lips aren’t just a look they’re a mood, so protect them and own the winter.