Winter is coming...beware! One of the worst winter skin drawbacks are chapped lips. You go outside, bundled up in your adorable new parka, why yes these mittens are new, slip in a coy smile and.... BAM. Cracked lips. But not to fear, here are a few simple reminders on how to keep those lips looking lovely all winter long!
1. Use lip balm (Duh, I know, right?): Be sure that your lip balms contains natural or organic ingredients such as jojoba oil or vitamin E oil to keep your lips moist. Some lip balms can actually make lips drier! You aren't looking for a lip balm that you feel needs to be reapplied every 10 minutes. Instead, find one with nourishment that lasts.
2. Stop licking your lips: I know that lip balms often taste delectable, but save it for the dinner table. Licking your lips will make them dry and crack more quickly.
3. Don't pick: Sometimes, after we have (oops) licked our lips too much, we are left with chapped and cracked lips with dead skin. The natural reaction is to pick at it a little because it is so irritating. But don't! Just leave it alone! Picking at your lips will cause open wounds which can open you up to harmful infections.
4. Exfoliate: Once you have gotten your lips back under control, exfoliate them once a week with baking soda. This will help keep them soft and remove any old skin that hasn't sloughed off yet. To do this, just put about a teaspoon's worth each of baking soda and water in your hand, dip your finger in, and lightly scrub your lips. Rinse off with warm water.
