Lips have no subcutaneous fatty tissue. Therefore, the thin, sensitive skin dries out easily. However, dry, chapped or chapped lips not only look unsightly, they can also be painful and offer germs, viruses and bacteria a good target for attack. There are, however, numerous home remedies that provide the lips with sufficient moisture and prevent dehydration.
What helps against dry, chapped lips?
Some creams keep the lips permanently soft and supple with regular use. These include, for example, petroleum jelly, marigold ointment and milking fat. Protection with such an ointment is recommended, especially in winter, before going out into the cold.
With their high fat content, these products, which mostly do not contain any unnecessary ingredients, smooth and soothe chapped skin on the lips. Anyone who uses lip balm sticks should ensure that the products are of the appropriate high quality. Exclusive natural cosmetics or care products from the pharmacy that do not contain mineral oils are best. Camphor and phenol are also not recommended as ingredients, as they increase dehydration.
Flavored skin care sticks should not be used for children, as their sweet taste tends to lick their lips frequently, which makes dryness worse. Lip balm sticks made from natural wax with olive oil, jojoba or sesame are very effective against chapped lips. In summer, a care stick with a sun protection factor is important, as too much sun can have a damaging effect on the complexion.
Adequate hydration is just as important as external care. Drinks such as mineral water, unsweetened tea and buttermilk are particularly beneficial for the skin. Overall, this is plumper and stores moisture better. Often, too dry room air is the reason for rough lips. A humidifier in the living room and bedroom can help.Those who do not have this at hand can make do with towels placed over the heater.
Quick help
An ointment is the best solution for chapped and sore lips. Under no circumstances should the lips be licked constantly. The saliva briefly provides relief, but it contains enzymes that lead to increased dehydration. Therefore, in the long run, licking worsens the condition of the skin.
Cocoa butter, which is one of the ingredients in hand creams, can also help with dry lips. If these are very brittle and rough, they should be rubbed in up to five times a day. With its numerous valuable ingredients, olive oil also ensures that the skin is moisturized. It helps you retain moisture and seals cracked areas.
A gentle peeling before applying the lip care removes dead skin. A soft toothbrush, with which the lips are gently massaged, is suitable for this. An effective peeling cream can also be made from sugar and olive oil. In addition to removing flakes of skin, it stimulates blood circulation. A lip care applied afterwards makes the lip skin particularly supple.
Alternative remedies
Applying natural honey is also a proven method against dry lips. It contains many valuable, nourishing ingredients, which even accelerate the healing of small cracks. The honey is applied once or twice a day and wiped off again after an exposure time of about three minutes. Under no circumstances should it be licked with the tongue. This moisturizes the lips again, which promotes dehydration. The honey helps best after showering or bathing, because then the pores are open and the skin is much more receptive.
Make quark mixed with honey into a viscous paste, apply thickly and remove again after ten to fifteen minutes, the lips completely tender.
Beeswax is a very effective home remedy. This protects the lips particularly well in the cold and should be used before going outside. Another remedy from grandma's time is vegetable shortening, which supplies the lips with moisture. Drinking carrot juice and putting it on your lips should also help. Applying fresh albumen is also recommended.
