Apply a non-irritating lip balm (or lip moisturizer) several times a day and before bed. If your lips are very dry and cracked, try a thick ointment, such as white petroleum jelly. Ointment seals in water longer than waxes or oils. Slather on a non-irritating lip balm with SPF 30 or higher before going outdoors.
Chapped lips are the result of dry, cracked skin on your lips due to cold or dry weather, sun exposure, frequently licking your lips or dehydration. You can treat chapped lips at home with the use of lip balm or ointment to ease any discomfort.
Vaseline is an affordable, easy-to-find option in most grocery stores and pharmacies, and it's said to relieve dry skin, help heal wounds , and even help moisturize chapped lips.
Stop licking your lips: Many people suffer from a repetitive habit of licking their lips. This repetitive friction and irritation causes a darkening of the lips and even the surrounding skin.
Cold, wind, and lousy winter weather are all contributing factors. And during the summer months, frequent sun exposure is often to blame. This time of year, dry winter weather can damage sensitive, exposed mucous membranes. Cold air and little humidity can cause your lips to crack and peel.
Exfoliate
Wet a soft toothbrush with a little warm water (and optional, moisturizing oil, such as coconut oil), and very gently brush your lips until they feel smooth and soft. Create a sweet mix of sugar and water. Rub this mixture on your lips until they feel soft and you can gently scrub off the dead, dry skin.
If you find that your lips simply won't heal, there may be an underlying condition to blame and you should see a doctor. Chapped lips can get infected, as bacteria can enter through cracks and abrasions. This is known as cheilitis and must be treated by a doctor.
Chapped lips should heal in two or three weeks, but you should consult with your dermatologist if the problem persists. Chapped lips that do not heal can be a sign of an allergic reaction, yeast infection or something more serious, like actinic cheilitis.
White lips
This is usually caused by anemia, which is a low red blood cell count. Anemia that causes pale or white lips is severe and requires immediate medical attention.
“You have to reapply it regularly after eat and drinking,” says Dr. Waldorf. Water left on the lips from food or drink can also evaporate, adding to dryness.
Chronic lip biting can cause swelling, rawness and sores. Repeatedly biting the same area can even cause fibromas to develop.
Apply sunblock: Yes, lips can get tanned too!
In fact, the sun can damage the skin on the lips, making them appear darker and rougher. Look for a lip balm with SPF30, and apply it at least 5-6 times a day to make sure it does not wear off.
Saliva contains enzymes that help break down food, and when you repeatedly lick lips, it can irritate the thin, delicate skin, causing it to become darker in colour.
Applying a cloth wrapped ice pack to the affected area may numb the pain and reduce swelling, helping the person find relief. Only apply the ice pack for about 10–15 minutes at a time.
Yes you can! The hands are another delicate area of skin and any lotion that is designed for your hands should be safe for your lips. Hand lotions often include moisturizing ingredients like shea butter. Only use a small amount of hand lotion on your lips.
Reduce lines under eyes.
Lip balm will hydrate the area under your eyes, which reduces the appearance of lines. Make sure you use a soft brush instead of applying lip balm directly from the tube since this skin is extra-sensitive.
Causes of dark lips
Darkening of the lips can be the result of hyperpigmentation. This is a typically harmless condition caused by an excess of melanin. Lip hyperpigmentation may be caused by: excessive exposure to the sun.
Normal, healthy lip color varies, depending on skin color and other factors, but should fall in the reddish-pink-to-brown range.
Your lips lose pigment as you age, for the same reasons they may become thinner—with a loss of collagen and moisture, they appear less vibrant.
Lip dermatitis, or eczematous cheilitis, is a type of eczema, a skin condition that can cause severe flare-ups on your skin. The cause of eczema is often unknown, but it may be linked to an allergy or an irritant, like frequently licking your lips. Genetics may also play a role in developing lip dermatitis.
Introduction: Dry mouth has been reported as a symptom of COVID-19. In this study, xerostomia (dry mouth) was reported in patients with COVID-19.