Thursday, March 5, 2009

Chapped Lips Remedy Treatment

Chapped lips, or refered as dry lips or cracked lips is quite common especially during the winter or dry weather. The definition of chapped lips from Wikipedia states that "Chapped lips is a condition whereby the lips become dry and possibly cracked. It may be caused by the evaporation of moisture." However, there are more causes of chapped lips. Below I've list down all the chapped lips causes and their remedies:
  • Licking your lip. It's a myth that licking your lips helps to prevent lips to be chapped. On the other hand, it worsen the condition. It may provide temporary relief (like for a minute or two) but later it may cause even a drier lips, or worse, cracked lips. The saliva will momentarily apply moisture but will then evaporate and leave the lips drier than before. Furthermore, saliva contains digestive enzymes that will not do sore lips any good. If it has been a habit, try apply something bitter or distasteful on the lips to remind and prevent yourself from licking. After some time, you won't have the habit of licking again ;)
  • Sun exposure. Similar to the adverse effect of over-exposure of sun to our skin. So, make sure to wear lip balm or lipstick that contains built in sunscreen.
    Mentholatum Natural Ice Medicated Lip Protectant SPF 15, Mentholatum 0.16-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 12)
  •  Breathing though the mouth. This happens normally when a person nose is blocked especially during sleep. Make sure nose is clear or apply some oilment to relief nasal congestion.
  • Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste with Baking Soda and Essential Oil of Mint - 7 ozSensitive to toothpaste. Toothpaste(this also applies to mouthwash, chewing gum and candy) contains chemical such as flavoring agents that can cause chapped lips to those who are allergic or sensitive to them. Futhermore, toothpaste with tartar-control can dry the lips even more. So choose your toothpaste wisely or you can also brush with baking soda as an alternative. You might be surprise to know that using baking soda also helps to whiten the teeth and prevent cavities as well. More on that on my how to whiten teeth naturally post here. Also, if you prefer a more traditional method, Neem twigs can also be used for brushing teeth. Otherwise try natural toothpaste like Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste. Almost all of the reviewer in Amazon rated it with 5 stars.
  • Deficiency of vitamin B complex and iron. Food high in vitamin B complex are whole-grain products, milk, meat, eggs, cheese and peas and food high in iron are liver, kidneys and meats. So make sure you get enough of them.

If your lips are already chapped, using creamy type of lipstick or lip balm can soothe and prevent further damage. Remembering to apply AND reapply lipbalm (after eat/drink/wipe your lips), can be one of the best preventive measure against chapped lips. Above is an example of good lip balm to use. It received lots of good reviews in Amazon.

Also, make sure that you keep yourself well hydrated as the main cause of chapped lips is dehydration. Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Also, you may consider to add humidifier to your home or office to moisten the air around you.
Crane Adorable 1 Gallon Cool Mist Humidifier, Penguin Shape

1 comment:

  1. It's an efficient post in the prevention of Dry and Chapped Lips which are necessary to procure the beautiful lips.

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