MANAGING LIP HEALTH
MANAGING LIP HEALTH
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Hydrate and Heal Chapped Lips
Hydrating your cracked lips
When the seasons change, and the air shifts and becomes dry, your lips can dry out very quickly—leaving them chapped. Hydration is the best defense against dry, chapped, or cracked lips. A common misconception is that lip balm can repair chapped lips. It can provide temporary relief, and prevent further moisture loss, but it can’t heal chapped or cracked lips. So what can you do to heal those nasty, chapped lips?
Here are 6 sweet lip tips that should have you on the road to recovery
STOP LICKING YOUR LIPS
Although licking your lips feels like it moisturizes them, it only dries them out more.
USE A PROTECTIVE LIP BALM OR GLOSS. BUT BE CAREFUL
Some flavored lip balms actually encourage you to lick your lips. Ones that contain eucalyptus, camphor, menthol, or alcohol may actually dry your lips out more.
DRINK YOUR WATER
Our bodies are up to 60% water, but that number decreases as we age. We’re also constantly losing water through perspiration and other body processes. Replenishing your water by drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day has tons of health benefits—including softer, smoother, healthier lips.
EAT RIGHT
A balanced diet is another overall health booster. Zinc is an important mineral in maintaining moisture. If you don’t get enough zinc from your diet, you can get it as part of a multivitamin or supplement.
AVOID DRY HEAT
Many of us live and work in environments with forced air heat during the winter. This type of heat is particularly tough on chapped lips because it contains no humidity. Consider using a humidifier or keeping a mister at your desk to keep the air around you moist.
BE AWARE
You may not even realize all the skin-drying products and agents that come in contact with your lips. Don’t let your shampoo run over your face when you wash your hair. Check your foundation and lipstick, and try to use moisturizing products whenever possible. With a little extra attention, you can keep your lips in top shape and avoid both chapped lips and cold sores.
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