What causes of chapped lips and how to get rid of them

Everyone has dealt with chapped lips some or the other time. They pop up at the most inconvenient times, especially before holiday get-togethers. And as winter days have started to crawl in, you're going to have to deal with chapped lips more often than usual. While you might know what chapped lips feel and look like, you might not know what causes them and how to get rid of them. That's exactly what we're going to tell you.

01/ Chapped lips meaning

Now, we understand that a lot of you might know what chapped lips already are. But for the uninitiated, chapped lips is a non-medical term that describes dry and cracked lips. It can also include scaling, redness, swelling, itching, burning and stinging.

02/ What causes chapped lips?

Cold and dry weather is one of the most common causes of chapped lips. Other causes include over-exposure to the sun, allergic dermatitis, metabolic diseases like thyroid imbalances or even deficiencies in vitamin B complex. Irritation is yet another top cause of chapped lips. This could be due to habits like lip licking, picking or biting. It can also be due to allergic reactions caused by lip cosmetics or foods like mango, citus and cinnamon.

03/ How to cure chapped lips fast?

Keep your lips hydrated to prevent chapped and dry lips. You can moisturise your lips with fragrance-free emollients. Invest in thicker ointments over oils and apply moisturiser at regular intervals throughout the day. You can also use a sun-protection when you step outside and reapply it every couple of hours. Lastly, stay hydrated, drink a lot of water.

04/ What are the big mistakes while dealing with chapped lips?

There are a few ingredients that you should avoid when healing and preventing chapped lips. Some of these include eucalyptus, lanolin, salicylic acid and added flavorings and fragrances. You need to use the "less is more" philosophy.