How to Avoid Chapped Lips During the Colder Months

Fall’s cold temperatures delightful when you’re enjoying a cozy night by the fire, but the accompanying dry air can leave your lips feeling dry and irritable. While we may savor our pumpkin spice lattes, chapped lips can significantly detract from our enjoyment of the season.

Fortunately, there are natural remedies and practical tips to help you maintain soft, smooth, and hydrated lips throughout the fall. Let’s explore the things that cause dry lips and discover effective solutions to keep your smile healthy and hydrated all season long.

How Do Chapped Lips Start?

Man applying chapstick
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Have you ever wondered why your lips seem to be perpetually chapped in the fall? To understand and address this common issue, let’s explore the factors contributing to dry lips during this season.

Unlike the rest of our skin, our lips lack oil glands, making them more susceptible to dehydration. Several factors exacerbate this vulnerability:

  • Cooler Temperatures and Dry Air: As humidity levels decrease in the fall, the air becomes drier, dehydrating our lips and causing them to crack.
  • Wind: Chilly fall breezes can further dry out lips by removing any remaining moisture.
  • Licking Lips: Contrary to popular belief, licking lips can worsen dryness as saliva evaporates quickly.
  • Indoor Heating: The warm, dry air from heaters can strip moisture from our skin, including our lips.

With these culprits identified, let’s explore natural remedies to combat chapped lips effectively.

Keep Hydrated

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Hydration is the cornerstone of soft, hydrated lips. When the air is dry, our bodies lose moisture more readily. Therefore, staying hydrated is crucial during the fall and winter seasons. By drinking plenty of water throughout the day, you can prevent your lips from becoming excessively dry.

Tip: If you find it challenging to drink enough water, consider infusing it with fall flavors like apple slices or a splash of cranberry juice to make it more appealing.

Exfoliation is Key

Lip scrub
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Exfoliation is an excellent way to promote soft, hydrated lips. By gently removing dead, dry skin, exfoliation reveals fresh, healthy-looking lips.

DIY Lip Scrub Recipe

Lip scrub ingredients
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  • 1 teaspoon honey (a natural humectant)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (a gentle exfoliant)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or coconut oil (for moisture)
  • Optional: 2 drops of any essential oil (for scent)

Combine the ingredients in a bowl then transfer to an airtight container for storage. Gently massage the scrub onto your lips in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

To seal in moisture, apply a nourishing lip balm afterwards. This routine will leave your lips feeling soft and smooth.