Dry and chapped lips are an extremely common problem that can not only make your lips look unattractive but may also cause a lot of pain and discomfort. The soft and delicate skin over your lips needs special care and protection.
From harsh weather conditions to dehydration, there are a number of reasons why your lips may end up losing their moisture and smooth texture.
Causes of Chapped Lips
Some of the main causes of dry and cracking lips are:
- A possible vitamin deficiency
- Lack of care or protection
- Breathing through the mouth
- Allergic reaction
- Dehydration
- Smoking
- Excessive licking of lips
- Sun exposure
- Harsh weather[1]
Symptoms of Chapped Lips
Common symptoms associated with chapped lips are:
- Dryness
- Redness
- Cracking
- Flaking
- Tender or soreness when touched
Prevention
To prevent the recurrence of chapped lips, follow these simple tips:
- Keep your lips well moisturized.
- Keep your body well hydrated.
- Make sure the products you use on your lips do not contain possible allergens.
- Avoid extreme temperatures if possible.
- Breathe through the nose.
- Eat a proper diet.
In case the problem persists or gets worse even after constant care and treatment, you may want to consult your dermatologist. Very rarely, persistent chapped lips may be a sign of an underlying medical issue.
A number of commercial products are available for the treatment of chapped lips. However, you can save yourself from spending a fortune on these products by following some simple and effective natural remedies.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for chapped lips.
1. Sugar
“Exfoliating” or removing dead cells off your chapped lips will help restore their natural softness faster.
- Mix 2 teaspoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of honey to form a paste.
- Apply the paste your lips, and allow it to set (approximately one minute).
- Use your fingers to gently rub the mixture around on your lips to loosen the dead skin cells.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Apply a little honey to lock in the moisture
2. Honey
Honey is popularly used for the treatment of chapped lips. It is a great moisturizer and also consists of healing and antibacterial properties.[2]
- Simply apply pure organic honey on your chapped lips several times a day.
- Prepare a paste of honey and glycerin in the evening. Apply this paste before going to bed to reveal soft lips in the morning.
3. Rose Petals
Rose petals can also be of great help for those suffering from chapped lips. This remedy will help your lips stay moisturized and enhance their natural color.
- Wash a handful of rose petals thoroughly in water.
- Soak the clean petals in milk for a few hours (glycerin is a great nondairy alternative).
- Mash the rose petals into a thick paste.
- Apply the paste on your dry lips two to three times a day as well as every night before going to bed.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help heal chapped lips caused by seasonal weather changes.[3]
- Simply apply pure coconut oil several times a day on your lips to keep them moisturized.
You may also use olive oil instead of coconut oil.[4]
5. Castor Oil
Castor oil is an effective hydrating agent and a great remedy for chapped lips.[5]
- Simply apply castor oil to your lips several times a day.
- You may also make a soothing lip treatment at home by mixing together 1 teaspoon each of castor oil and glycerin and 3 drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply the mixture on your lips before going to bed. In the morning, wash it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this daily until your lips are healed.
6. Milk Cream
Milk cream can be a great natural lip moisturizer due to its high fat content.
- Apply fresh milk cream on your lips and leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
- Repeat daily to help your lips heal faster.
7. Aloe Vera Gel
The healing qualities of aloe vera are extremely popular. Applying a small amount of aloe vera gel daily will relieve the pain associated with chapped lips and help them heal.
The amazing healing properties of aloe vera gel more than just make up for its rather unpleasant taste.[6]
8. Cucumber
Another simple and natural solution for chapped lips is cucumber.[7]
- Rub a small slice of cucumber across your dry lips gently so that the juice is applied evenly.
- Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes or until it is absorbed.
- Repeat several times a day for faster results.
9. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is also very effective in treating dry lips.[8][9]
- Simply apply petroleum jelly over your dry lips several times a day to keep them well protected. Make sure to reapply before going to bed to keep your lips well nourished overnight.
- For extra healing, apply a light coat of honey on your lips, let it dry, and then apply a light coat of petroleum jelly.
10. Water
Your chapped lips can be a result of dehydration. It’s vital to keep your body well hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Water also helps flush out toxins from of the body.
- Begin your day by drinking 1 or 2 glasses of water, and follow the general rule of eight glasses per day.
- Another great tip is drinking a glass of warm water before bed to stay hydrated throughout the night.
Resources:
- Cheilitis. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/cheilitis. Published 2013.
- Ediriweera ERHSS, Premarathna NYS. Medicinal and cosmetic uses of Bee’s Honey – A review. AYU. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3611628/. Published 2012.
- L AA, VM V- R. A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatitis : Contact, Atopic, Occupational, Drug. http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/15724344. Published September 1, 2004.
- Badiu D, Luque R, Rajendram R. Effect of Olive Oil on the Skin. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275044663_Effect_of_Olive_Oil_on_the_Skin. Published March 2010.
- Patel VR, Dumancas GG, Viswanath LCK, Maples R. Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Production. Lipid Insights. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5015816/. Published September 7, 2016.
- Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. ALOE VERA: A SHORT REVIEW. Indian Journal of Dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/. Published 2008.
- Murad H. EVALUATING THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF CUCUMBERS FOR IMPROVED HEALTH AND SKIN CARE. JARCP The Journal of Aging Research & Clinical Practice. http://www.jarcp.com/3050-evaluating-the-potential-benefits-of-cucumbers-for-improved-health-and-skin-care.html.
- 5 ways to use petroleum jelly for skin care. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/petroleum-jelly-for-skin-care. Published June 9, 2018.
- Petroleum jelly. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/petroleum-jelly.
100% Pure lanolin. It not only works for severely painful cracked, sore or bleeding nipples for newly breastfeeding mothers, it also is a miracle for chapped lips.
This sounded great until I looked up what lanolin actually is…it’s derived from sheep and other wool-bearing animals. Not a good choice if you’re vegetarian, vegan or see an issue with using animal-based products for beauty when there are other natural options. || about dot me slash working 4 change
Even then it’s still a good options because it works really well. It’s better just to look past your pride and do whats best for your body.
Not necessarily good if you have eczema as may react to lanolin …I learnt the hard way when applying it to my nipples :-/
Eating meat is natural look at your teeth you freak
sugar & honey really works it is the simplest remedy for dry or chapped lips.
Thank you helped so much! Especially the honey and sugar one:)
How many times we need to repeat???
The honey and sugar thing was really easy
I have been using accutane and since have extremely chapped lips. I have tried everything and the only thing that has worked is lanolin! Better than any of the above 🙂
it so nice,, so fantastic
Go to your kitchen and take the sugar and honey. It is really fantastic..It tastes very good and I didn’t feel irritated……
I absolutely prefer Coconut oil. I love using it when it’s a little solid as it spreads easily and doesn’t drip 😀 Plus coconut oil is loaded with Vitamin E, fatty acid and other vitamins, it’s a treat to use it on lips as well as on any other part of the body. If you are allergic to coconut oil, olive oil, mustard oil and even sweet almond oil is great!
I went camping and it was very windy.what happened was on the second day of camping I woke up in the morning and my lips was red and dry and I don’t know why.
Could someone recommend a remedie that isn’t greasy or sticky pls.
Hey Sophia
its vishal
you can use honey and sugar as mixture
they are better one of above
Hey thanks this is so helpful
in my case only the lower lip, picking on it is fun and addictive but damn does it hurt after..gross i wouldn’t kiss myself man…lol..what an irritating condition i wouldn’t wish chapped lips on hitler……go away
Belive me i know how u feel
I was scared to kiss my boyfriend
So i started useing carmex to heal them then vaseline or cocoa butter after
Use a reallllllllyyyyyyy thick layer then go to sleep
It works alot
I wouldn’t use Vaseline. You shouldn’t really get a petrolium based product near your mouth where you could inject some of it, and they aren’t really good for your skin in the medium and long term even though it might feel like its working at that moment.
Lol that’s ber jokes
very helpful
Wow…
Great tips…
I like this tips.
I frequently take Vit E tablets and pop it – put the Vit. E directly on my lips. let my lips just soak it in. Very helpful in the winter!
Honestly, I put a ton of Vaseline on my lips so they’re super moist before bedtime and sleep with it on. It doesn’t get messy for me but I’m sure it probably can get messy but it works well in two days tops.
me to! i also use vaseline, but it should be used 3 to 4 times a day
Really useful tips.
Those who have pimples or acne problem. Lemon juice works best.
Also use a blood cleanser tonic, it will help you get quicker results.
You will also get a glow.
Clean – Moisturize-apply sunscreen ( water based)
You can mix honey too in the lemon juice.
Vijay apple cider vinegar works to its great?
Useful tips, I usually have chapped lips throughout winter , but, march, this was new . I tried every kind of lip balm I had , olive oil , butter and nothing so far worked, so I’m giving honey and sugar a try … so far so good ! thanks for the tip
honey is just great. It worked out well for me.
Best remedies ever. Pls help me to gain fatty cheeks n fresh eyes
I just LOVE coconut oil so much! it makes like anything softer if you rub it on your body in the shower and wash it off it will make your skin beautiful! <3 LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Am happy and want to show my gratitude for everyone that suggested to me. I have vaginal, mouth and body odur for years dont know what to do with my life, but two days ago i got various remedies i picked one and use just for two days and the problem is gone.
Millions of thanks.
Dorothy
Dorothy,what did you use?
I’ll love to know what worked for you.
Dorothy u don’t make any sense not trying to be evensive guys ?
Coconut oil really helps to make d lips soft i was just impressed after a good result
I am so worried with my son’s chapped lips…i will try the remedies u shared..
Climate has changed and also the lips have become chapped/dry. let me try the sugar and honey formula
Trying the honey it kinda burns at first but it really helps thanks for the tips
Mix Mustard oil and Wax…For your cracked Lip’s.and get healthy results..
I mix organic coconut oil with Vaseline lip therapy 50/50. That way the coconut oil doesn’t absorb into my lips so fast, it’s thicker, and the vaseline lip therapy seals my lips and protects them from the elements.
thank you for showing me how to get my lips unchapped
i used petroleum jelly. it worked out nicely and smoothly. didn’t like any of the above shown.
I have extremely chapped lips and I used more Chapstick than possible so I will try the honey and sugar thanks for the suggestions ??
Comment:my own chapped lip is the worse. I’m soo addicted to peeling it and i get injured. I’m really bothered about it. Thanks for the tips. Will try any of them
All of a sudden my lips are BADLY chapped. Like peeling, bleeding, and crusty. So gross. I’ve been using coconut oil, but it’s so thin and seems to just make my lips temporarily wet.. and then they’re dry again in 30 mins. I tried the sugar and honey scrub on here. I think the ratio is a bit off, cuz it was so clumpy and hard to put on my lips in the first place. Will try a ratio of 1:1 next time. Just my suggestion!
That is incredible, I am so going to use that!!!!(:
Be been using chapstick, WOW!!! That stuff works really well!!!
Ahhh thank you so much!