Most, if not all of us, have been plagued with dry, cracked lips. If you’ve ever wondered why we experience this more in the winter time, it’s because the cold, winter air dries out the thin layer of oil on our lips. I don’t about you but, but I have been guilty of doing a major dry lip no-no—licking my lips. While we think licking our lips will alleviate the dryness, our saliva evaporates and makes the problem worse.

Causes

• Lack of lip moisture due to low indoor humidity
• Dry, cold winter air
• Sun exposure
• Smoking
• Licking, picking, scrubbing or biting lips
• Cold sores
• Allergic reaction or irritation from toothpastes or mouthwash

Symptoms

Dry, peeling, burning, red, swollen, sensitive/tender, bleeding or cracked skin on lips. Excessive licking can also cause a dry, irritated ring to develop around the lips.

Prevention & Remedies

Drink adequate amounts of water.

Use lip balm or ointment, preferably with at least SPF 15. Depending on the severity, you may need a medicated lip balm.

Key ingredients include: petroleum jelly; lanolin; natural oils, like squalene, castor oil, jojoba oil, Vitamin E, cocoa butter or shea butter; glycerin and honey.

A creamy lip therapy will most likely be water based and provide needed moisture. Just like with your hair, think of oils as sealers—something to seal IN the moisture and provide a barrier from the environment and irritants.

Let’s recap and do your lips a favor!

1. Drink water
2. Moisturize & seal your lips with lip balm throughout the day. Don’t wait until you’re on your way out the door. Indoor air can dry out your lips, too.

More Kiehl’s…