How to Get Rid of Cracked Lips

If your lips are cracked, you may be suffering from one of two conditions: the lack of either internal or external moisture. While these conditions are not the only causes of cracked lips, these two are the most common. One thing is for sure, though -- if you have cracked lips, it automatically means your whole body is dry.

Now, if your lips lack internal or external moisture, they may easily be affected by extreme weather conditions like excess wind and sun exposure, vitamin B deficiency, skin infections, allergic reactions to cosmetics and the simple mannerism of biting your lips.

Causes and Treatments

Temperature – Did you know that the heat used to warm your car and house is also the heat that lowers the humidity level and dries out the air around you. That is also the same heat that dries out and cracks our lips. You need to know this because cold weather is often blamed. The truth is, getting sunburned even on a cloudy day can cause your lips to crack.

Foods – You need to avoid foods that burn your lips. Some foods that can cause irritation and dryness on your lips are those that have acids contained in citrus. Even your favorite spicy delicacies can cause your lips to crack. If you can’t tolerate the cracks on your lips, by all means, avoid mango peel as this has toxicodendron. If you are not convinced yet, maybe you need to know that toxicodendron is seen in poison ivy. If you are allergic to nuts, stay away from nut-based lip products such as shea butter.

Hydration – You can hydrate yourself by increasing your intake of water. You have to help yourself because unlike your skin, your lips do not produce oil. Your lips’ skin is made of mucous membrane that does not have oil producing glands. You have to make your lips soft and smooth.

Increase your water intake --- no soda, tea and coffee. If you really want to get rid of cracked lips, you need to sacrifice some of the substances you are addicted to like caffeine, sodium and sugar, because these can all cause dehydration.

Another thing you may find very difficult to give up is alcohol. If you need to go out on a Friday night, you need to stay conscious enough to be able to drink water before going to bed.

Cosmetics – Be warned of lip products designed to make your lips appear fuller. These are usually the ones available as mint, Capsacin (from chili peppers) and menthol – the same products you need to avoid to get rid of cracked lips. Lips balms may also moisturize your lips but avoid those that have phenol.

Medications – Stay away from products with retinoids, alpha-hyrdoxy acids and benzoyl peroxide. If your skin is sensitive, you are more susceptible to allergy. Avoid licking your lips and breathing through your mouth as these habits can attract viruses and bacteria. Aside from cracked lips, you may even develop sore and dry lips.

More Lip Tips

Lip products that have mineral oil or petrolatum are safe to use. For instance, petroleum jelly can heal your cracked lips and soothe lip irritation, too.

You can wear lip moisturizers or lipsticks as long as they have sunscreen. If you opt to use these products, you need to use these all year long to maintain your lips’ protection.

Say goodbye to lip plumpers for good. Lip plumpers can make your lips look fuller, but they can also dry out and tear your lips.

Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. You can drink two to three glasses of water with and after every meal.

If you are buying a lip product, make sure that you buy the ones with the fewest additives.
Using a humidifier is highly recommended.

If these tips do not work, you need to see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Do not postpone your appointment with your dermatologist if new symptoms develop.

Feel free to read and apply these tips again and say sayonara to cracked lips. Now, you can get ready for that big kiss!