Having ashy lips may be worse than having ashy knees. It's true. And now that it's getting colder, it's getting harder to keep our skin moisturized, and the skin on our lips is no different. Dry lips can be painful and uncomfortable. In extreme cases, they can even lead to bleeding and infections. So how can you keep your lips moisturized during the fall and winter months?
Here are a few tips to keep your lips soft, supple, and healthy!
1.Caffeine
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If you're a coffee or tea lover, you've probably noticed that your lips tend to feel dry and chapped after you've had a cup or two. That's because caffeine is a diuretic, which helps regulate how much water your body retains. When you drink caffeine, your body starts to expel water, which can lead to dehydration. As a result, your lips become dry and cracked, and you may even notice that your skin feels dry and tight.
2.Licking your lips
While it might feel like licking your lips is providing a much-needed dose of moisture, it can worsen the situation. When you lick your lips, the saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips even drier than before. In addition, saliva can contain enzymes that break down the natural oils on your skin, further contributing to dryness and irritation.
3.Salty and spicy foods
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If you're a fan of salty and spicy foods, you might notice that your lips feel a little dry after you eat them. That's because these foods can cause your lips to lose moisture. When you expose your lips to salt or spices, they absorb the molecules of these substances. This process draws moisture out of your lips, leaving them feeling dry and cracked.
4.Yeast
That's right - the same yeast that's used in baking bread and brewing beer can also cause your lips to become dry and irritated. When the yeast on your skin is unbalanced, it can lead to angular cheilitis, which manifests as red, scaly patches around the corners of your mouth. In severe cases, the yeast can even penetrate the skin and cause an infection.
5.Dehydration
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When we're dehydrated, our skin dries out and can become irritated, flaky, and even cracked. However, drinking enough water can help keep our skin hydrated and looking its best. Water helps to flush out toxins and impurities from our skin, and it also helps to deliver essential nutrients to cells. In addition, water aids in the production of collagen and elastin, two important proteins that keep skin looking firm and youthful.
6.Lip balm
Not gloss. Balm. Non-irritating lip balms are great for restoring moisture to your lips. Lip balm helps restore moisture to the lips, relieving the discomfort of dryness. However, not all lip balms are created equal. Some contain camphor, lanolin, and methanol which can irritate the lips, making the problem worse. That's why it's important to choose a lip balm specifically designed to be non-irritating. These balms typically use natural ingredients like beeswax, castor seed oil, mineral oil, and shea butter to moisturize the lips. Apply lip balm throughout the day and before you sleep at night.
7.Dry air
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One way to combat dry lips is to use a humidifier. Humidifiers help prevent your lips from drying out by increasing the moisture in the air during winter because cold air tends to be dry. A humidifier can also relieve other symptoms of dryness, such as dry hands, a sore throat, and flu-like symptoms.
These simple tips should help keep your pout healthy and moisturized all year round! Have fun trying different techniques and products to find what works best for you.
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