{"id":4899,"date":"2024-04-24T11:33:05","date_gmt":"2024-04-24T16:33:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/?p=4899"},"modified":"2024-04-24T11:33:10","modified_gmt":"2024-04-24T16:33:10","slug":"the-6-best-ways-to-prevent-and-treat-dry-chapped-lips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/the-6-best-ways-to-prevent-and-treat-dry-chapped-lips","title":{"rendered":"The 6 Best Ways To Prevent and Treat Dry, Chapped Lips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Burning, stinging, dry, cracked lips \u2014 it\u2019s tempting to lick, chew, or pick at them for any kind of relief, but you may just end up making things worse. The skin on your lips is sensitive<\/a> and may need some extra TLC. Keep reading to learn more about the best ways to treat your chapped lips. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do I Have Chapped Lips?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The skin covering your lips is much thinner than the skin on the rest of your body. This means it tends to dry out and crack more easily. In fact, your lips dry out around 10 times faster<\/a> than the rest of your skin. This is because your lips don\u2019t have sebaceous glands<\/a>, which make a protective layer of sebum (oil) on most of your skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your face is also constantly exposed to the elements<\/a> \u2014 whether it\u2019s a dry and cold winter or sweltering sun in the summer. If you\u2019re not properly moisturizing the skin or putting on lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF)<\/a>, you\u2019re at risk of getting chapped lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dehydration leads to dry skin<\/a>, including on your lips. If you\u2019re not getting enough water<\/a>, you may notice your skin becomes dry and starts peeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Ways To Prevent and Treat Chapped Lips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tired of dry, burning, and irritated lips? Here are 6 tips to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Keep a Non-Irritating Lip Balm on Hand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These days, lip balms<\/a> come in every color and flavor imaginable. While you may be tempted to reach for a tube of your favorite flavor and scent, it can actually do more harm than good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Association notes that lip balms with flavors and fragrances can irritate chapped lips<\/a> and make them worse. Stop using a product if you\u2019re experiencing any stinging, burning, or tingling. This isn\u2019t a sign that the balm is working \u2014 it usually means you\u2019re irritating your skin<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, choose a lip balm with more soothing products. Read the labels and look for active ingredients like<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n