Chilly Weather Calls for Chill Winter Lip Care Hacks
With temperatures dropping and less moisture in the air, our lips are prone to drying out and cracking. That’s because lips are very thin and delicate. They actually dry out 10 times faster than the rest of our facial skin. That’s why it pays to use extra protection – and follow a few lifestyle habits to help keep them healthy and hydrated.
In this article, we’re going to look into why the weather causes chapped lips, how to treat them, and how to prevent them. Because you deserve a smooth and soft pout this Christmas.
FIRST OFF, WHY DOES COLD WEATHER CAUSE CHAPPED LIPS?
As the weather gets colder, it also gets drier, leaving the lips vulnerable to dryness. This can make your pout appear flaky, cracked, and parched.
“The cold weather has a significant effect on our body, and that includes our lips,” explains dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD. “Plus, keep in mind that when you go out into the cold you may take steps to cover the rest of your body. But too often, your mouth is one of the last things you cover. Sometimes you might not even do it at all, leaving your lips exposed to those harsher winter conditions.”
However, the weather isn’t always responsible for your chapped lips. Often, it can also be the result of allergic reactions to certain ingredients and pigments in lipsticks, flavoring agents in food, and even from our everyday skincare products.
“I find that when patients use acne products, they often inadvertently get some on their lips,” says dermatologist Erum Ilyas. “These products are designed to exfoliate your skin to improve . If they get on your lips, you will find your lips are persistently dry and cracked.”
She recommends applying balm to your lips before using products with potentially lip-irritating ingredients, like salicylic acid. It serves as a barrier to protect your pout.
HOW TO PREVENT DRY, CHAPPED LIPS IN THE WINTER
Now some tips for keeping your pout soft, smooth, and utterly luscious throughout the winter months.
Keep Your Lips Moist
To maintain soft, hydrated lips and prevent them from drying out in the first place, regularly apply lip balm throughout the day. Ideally, look for nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid which are all known for providing deep hydration. And make lip balm application a daily habit.
In the day time, try using a lip balm that contains sunscreen, as sun exposure can quickly dry out the skin. Yes, even in the winter.
Make sure you also apply lip balm in the evening right before going to bed to restore moisture as you sleep.
Truly’s GLOAT Big Juicy Lip Oil is a great choice for hydrating and soothing lips in need of extra TLC. Made with a nourishing blend of coconut oil, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera, this formulation instantly preps, hydrates, and soothes.
Avoid Licking Your Lips
We know it’s tempting when your pout feels parched, but it actually has the opposite effect on your lips. Instead of hydrating them, saliva takes away moisture from the skin. What’s more, the enzymes in saliva can be irritating to the lips, resulting in further dryness.
So the next time you feel your lips getting dry, reach for a lip balm instead.
Drink Lots of Water
Hydration leads to softer, smoother lips. If you quickly tire of plain old h20, try mixing things up a bit by adding lemon or lime slices. Or sip on coconut water instead to hydrate your body and thus, your lips.
The most important thing is that you stay hydrated. When you don’t drink enough water, your lips will be one of the first places to see it.
Exfoliate
Regular lip exfoliation can help with flakiness and keep your pout smooth and healthy. Plus, it creates the perfect base for applying lip balm, maximizing its effects.
Just make sure you don’t overdo it, as it can worsen the problem. Also, always follow up with a balm with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E to hydrate and heal the skin.
Try Truly’s Pineapple Haze CBD Lip Smoothing Polish. Formulated with CBD oil, pineapple, mango, coconut oil, and exfoliating sugar crystals, this formula nourishes, softens, and hydrates.
Use a Humidifier
An indoor humidifier is a great investment for maintaining moisturized lips. These devices work by introducing moisture to the air, preventing the lips and skin from drying out. Remember to turn them on at night so your lips can replenish as you snooze.
Cover Your Mouth
One of the reasons our lips are prone to cracking in the winter months is because they’re exposed to the cold winter air. Try covering your mouth with a scarf the next time you head outside to protect them from the cold. Oh, and be sure to apply generous amounts of lip balm or oil.
TRIED EVERYTHING, BUT YOUR LIPS ARE STILL FLAKY?
It sounds like it’s time to visit your dermatologist. It could be a sign of infection or another issue that requires medical attention. Don’t wait too long before getting advice from an expert on how to handle your situation.
VEGAN LIP BALMS TO TRY
Unicorn Plumping Balm
This lip balm is great for hydrating and plumping the lips. It’s made with peppermint, matcha, and acai to deliver luscious lips after just one use.
GLOAT Luscious Lip Butter
Enriched with moisturizing and plumping ingredients like peppermint and hyaluronic acid, this lip butter will keep your pout protected throughout the day. It’ll also soften lip lines and leave you with juiced up, pillowy lips – perfect under lip gloss.
Pineapple Haze All Purpose Skin Salve
This multipurpose salve works from head to toe to treat very dry skin – on the lips, elbows, heels, or basically wherever you’re drying out. Thanks to its blend of CBD, jojoba oil, and pineapple, this fix-it-all balm will ease your chapped lips after just one use. Plus, it’s small enough to keep in your purse or your pocket.
