How to protect lips in the winter

Many people think that licking the lips helps the dryness but it can actually cause dry, cracked lips. Digestive enzymes and bacteria in saliva can damage the lips, leaving them in worse shape than before. Also, when the moisture evaporates after you have licked your lips, they become even drier as they lose the moisture into the dry, cold air. Instead, break yourself of the lip licking habit and apply a moisturizer or lip balm throughout the day.



Eliminate the cause of the condition
Chapping from an allergic reaction to a skin care product will go away when you stop using the product. Products that cause these reactions include toothpaste, mouthwash, lip balm and lipstick. It is the flavoring agent, cinnamate, in toothpaste and mouthwash that causes the chapping reaction. Some people are allergic to the sunscreen ingredient, oxybenzone, found in lip balms that contain sunscreen (so check that one off of your list).

Finally, dyes contained in brightly colored lipstick can cause a chapping reaction in susceptible women. If you suspect that you are having an allergic reaction, stop the product for 10 to 14 days and you should see an improvement.

Moisturize
To prevent and repair chapping, use a lip balm or petrolatum based ointment (Vaseline, Aquaphor) to seal in moisture and form a protective barrier. Use it frequently throughout the day. Use a balm at bedtime which can help repair damage while you sleep (there are ones especially made for overnight which contain vitamins and aloe vera). Don't forget your children's dry lips (they can be encouraged to use lip balm by selecting the fruit flavored varieties). Finally, a lip balm containing sunscreen is important especially while skiing or engaging in out-door winter activities.

Hydrate
Keep the body well hydrated by drinking ample amounts of water each day. Women forget that they can become dehydrated in the winter as well as in the summer. Also, humidify your home and office with a cool mist humidifier and plants so less moisture evaporates from your lips.