Dry, cracked lips can be caused by a variety of environmental factors, including dehydration and sun damage. Often, the most heavily marketed over-the-counter treatments like chapstick and balm are full of synthetic ingredients that can cause further irritation and can be expensive.
Fortunately, there are natural ways to hydrate your lips without disrupting their delicate balance of essential oils.
Choose a balm with natural ingredients
When choosing a lip balm, it’s important to read the label and understand what ingredients have been used. It’s best to avoid balms with phenols or alcohols which can dry out or irritate your skin.
Unscented or lightly flavored Natural Lip Balms are ideal for sensitive skin types as fragrances can be irritating. Look for natural flavorings such as peppermint oil which give the balm a pleasant taste without being overpowering.
Active ingredients like SPF protect the lips from harsh UV rays and prevent damaging photoaging. Alternatively, you may just want to use an SPF balm on its own if you prefer not wearing lipstick during daytime activities or swimming in outdoor pools.
The most important thing when picking out a balm is to make sure it’s made with natural ingredients so that your lips stay healthy and hydrated all day. Here are some options for keeping your lips hydrated naturally:
1. Coconut Oil
It’s packed with antioxidants and fatty acids that help moisturize and nourish the skin. Apply it directly onto the lips to heal chapped, dry skin. It’s ideal for daily use.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera helps keep lips soft by working as a natural moisturizer and antioxidant. Use a small amount of aloe vera gel before bedtime for the best results.
3. Honey
Honey contains natural humectants that can attract water to the skin, leading to hydrated, plump lips.
4. Shea butter
Shea butter is often used in balms because it contains vitamins A and E, proteins, and other fatty acids that help nourish delicate lip tissue for optimal hydration.
5. Olive oil
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants that help fight against dryness on the lips from environmental aggressors like wind and cold weather. Use sparingly for best results
Monitor your water intake
Dehydration is one of the primary causes of dry and chapped lips. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. The best way to do this is to carry a reusable water bottle with you and refill it regularly.
The general recommendation is 8–10 glasses of fluid per day, but the exact amount can vary depending on your individual needs. It’s also important to note that other beverages like tea or coffee can contribute significantly to hydration levels, so these should be included in your daily intake if you’re looking for relief from dry lips. Try to avoid caffeinated drinks as much as possible as they can worsen dehydration symptoms.
Monitor the humidity levels in your home
Monitoring the humidity levels in your home is key to keeping your lips hydrated and healthy. Try adding a humidifier to your home environment as this can help maintain humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent. Doing so will also help you combat dry air, usually caused by climate control systems or heating.
If you’re living in an area where winters are very cold, then a humidifier might be the way to go for both your lip hydration and other aspects of general health. Humidifiers can also benefit people with respiratory issues like asthma and allergies, so it’s not just about getting moist lips!
Plus, they can take care of some other annoyances like static electricity or flaky skin that sometimes happens due to dry air. And on top of all that, they provide a more comfortable atmosphere overall.
Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain a variety of vitamins and other nutrients that can help to keep your lips, as well as the rest of your body, healthy and moisturized. Citrus fruits are especially beneficial for maintaining healthy lips due to their high levels of vitamin C.
Eating foods such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits can not only provide topical collagen protection from within the body but also helps prevents collagen breakdown.
Increasing the intake of juicy fruits full of water content such as apples, pears, berries, cucumbers, and tomatoes will also serve beneficial in staying properly moisturized. Potatoes are another great source that helps maintain moisture levels in the body since they contain vitamins A and C along with potassium which is necessary for hydration.
In addition consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like chia seeds, walnuts or flaxseeds will naturally decrease the chances of chapped lips by keeping them softer longer due to their hydrating effects on skin tissue. Additionally snack on high-fat plant proteins like avocado or almond butter which help lock moisture to skin cells while providing lipids for a vibrant texture.
Gently exfoliate your lips once a week
Naturally exfoliating your lips is a great way to remove dry skin and keep them hydrated. It’s important to choose an exfoliant that won’t irritate the delicate skin of your lips. One option is to make a simple, natural scrub at home with ingredients like honey, sugar, oatmeal, and essential oils.
To make the scrub, combine 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. If desired, you can add 1 tablespoon of oatmeal for added moisture. Finally, add several drops of your favorite essential oil or a few drops of natural vanilla extract for scent. Mix everything together until it forms a thick paste.
Once your blend is ready, gently massage it into your lips using small circular motions for about 30 seconds before wiping it away with a warm washcloth. Follow up this process with an occlusive balm to seal in the moisture and protect from further dehydration or irritation caused by environmental exposure (e.g., cold winds).
Conclusion
There are a number of ways to hydrate your lips naturally. You can drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, and this will in turn help you stay hydrated. Like your skin, the lops also need a routine regime to follow.
You can also apply a hydrating balm or Vaseline to your lips to help lock in moisture. Finally, make sure you aren’t licking your lips, as this will actually dry them out. By following these simple tips, you can keep them soft, supple, and healthy all year round!
