Days are getting shorter, temperatures are dropping, and we’ve all dug out our favourite fuzzy jumpers from the back of the wardrobe. All of which can mean only one thing: Winter is upon us. Yep, warm, sunny days are a distant memory (did they happen at all?) and tbh, we’re pretty excited to make the most of the cold – we’re talking hot chocolates, cozy blankets – the lot.
The downside? Winter brings with it a whole host of hair and beauty woes. Aside from the classic cold-weather-skin and rain-induced frizzy hair, there’s of course the inevitable issue of the dry, chapped lips that rear their ugly heads every year.
Let’s be honest – even the most lip-balm savvy amongst us has fallen victim to the misery (yes, misery) of chapped lips. If you’re interested in the science side of things, this is because the lips only have four layers of skin (pretty measly compared to the sixteen on the rest of the face and body, to give you an idea). This means they’re way more prone to redness, dryness, and cracking. Ugh.
Apart from interfering with our makeup and all-round fantasy of soft, pillowy lips – chapped or dry lips can also be *really* painful. The good news? We’ve got all the tips you need to banish dryness for good.
By Beth
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1 Healthy body, healthy lipsWe know, you’ve heard it a thousand times, but that doesn’t take away from it being the *golden rule* of everything hair and beauty – drink, drink, drink (and no – mulled wine doesn’t count). Drinking plenty of water keeps your body hydrated, and helps maintain the elasticity of your skin – which goes for your lips too. You know the rest – eat your veggies, take the stairs instead of the lift – healthy body, healthy skin, healthy lips. Simple.
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2 ExfoliateTo really fight the dryness, add a lip scrub to your nightly routine and use it around once a week (or when you really need it). Don’t overdo it though – make sure to give your lips time to recover in between uses. The best part? A homemade version is super easy to make and works an absolute treat. Mix honey, sugar, and coconut oil together – gently rub the mixture on your lips and wipe off any remaining sugar with a towel. Et voilà – kissable as ever.
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3 Moisturise and hydrate ?You’ve hydrated from the inside – now time to deal with the outside. A good lip moisturiser or balm is crucial in banishing chapped lips and dryness. Look for something with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, moisturising ingredients like cocoa butter, and then petroleum or beeswax to seal all that goodness in. If you’re in a pinch, coconut oil is multifunctional and inexpensive (and smells delish too).
Dry lips? You? Never.
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FAQs
Why do your lips get chapped more easily in winter?
Your lips get chapped more easily in winter because they only have four layers of skin, compared to sixteen on the rest of your face and body. This thinner skin means your lips are much more prone to dryness, redness, and cracking when exposed to cold and dry weather.
How can you prevent dry, chapped lips during winter?
You can prevent dry, chapped lips by keeping your body hydrated and using a good lip moisturiser or balm. Drinking plenty of water and using products with hyaluronic acid, cocoa butter, petroleum, or beeswax helps maintain moisture and protect your lips from cracking.
What is an easy homemade lip scrub recipe?
A simple homemade lip scrub can be made by mixing honey, sugar, and coconut oil. Gently rub the mixture on your lips and wipe away any remaining sugar with a towel. This helps exfoliate dry skin, leaving your lips soft and smooth.
How often should you exfoliate your lips for the best results?
You should exfoliate your lips about once a week, or whenever you really need it. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, so it’s important to give your lips time to recover between treatments for healthier, softer lips.
Which ingredients should you look for in a good lip balm?
Look for a lip balm that contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, cocoa butter for moisture, and petroleum or beeswax to seal in nourishment. These ingredients work together to keep your lips protected from dryness and harsh winter weather.
