Chapped and cracked lips can occur in any season. The symptoms are very colourful and varied, as redness, irritation, dryness and peeling of the skin can occur.
The lips have no oil glands and are therefore very prone to drying and chapping. The weather can also be a cause of the problem: dryness in the summer and windy weather in colder seasons can cause chapped lips. In summer, don’t just use sunscreen on your face and body, as the skin on your lips is also very sensitive and needs extra protection.
Nutritional deficiencies can also cause dry lips. If you don’t have enough vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin E and zinc in your body, you are more likely to have chapped lips. This part of our body also needs essential fatty acids, which is why a lack of these can also be a cause of chapped lips.
Besides vitamin A, riboflavin and omega-3 fatty acids also play an active role in lip regeneration. If you don’t have enough vitamin B6 in your body, you may not only suffer from dermatitis, but your lips may also become chapped.
The ageing process also affects the lips, which can become increasingly dry as we age. But if we regularly consume antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E, we don’t have to face this problem.
There are also home remedies for dry lips. Papaya is not only very tasty and healthy, but also acts as a natural exfoliator. How to use it? Mash a small piece of fruit, leave it on your lips for ten minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
You can also use cucumber if you have dry lips. Gently rub a slice of cucumber over your lips. Then relax and place a fresh cucumber slice on your lips. Cucumber is a great way to soothe the lips.
Gels and oils can also be effective healers. Aloe vera gel, olive oil and coconut oil can also be effective as they are all great for softening, moisturising and regenerating dry lips.
You can also make a beautifying pack for your lips. Soak some rose petals in milk. Leave to stand overnight, then blend the mixture and apply to the lips. Leave on for 20 minutes and then wash off thoroughly.