During winter, lips tend to lose their natural moisture. Cold and dry winds can cause burning sensations, irritation and cracking, making the problem far more severe than any other seasons. Cracked lips not only look unpleasant but also cause physical discomfort. Compared to the rest of the body, lips remain constantly exposed to the environment, and that's why it needs to be taken care of.
The skin on the lips is much thinner and more delicate than that of facial skin. While cracked lips can occur throughout the year, the problem usually worsens in winter due to reduced moisture in the air. Apart from weather conditions, people suffering from ailments such as high blood sugar or blood pressure also tend to face this issue more frequently.
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According to renowned beauty expert Shahnaz Husain, the problem of cracked lips can be easily managed with the following home remedies:
Regardless of the season, drink 8–10 glasses of fresh water daily to keep the body hydrated and prevent lip dryness.
Apply pure organic honey on the lips before going to bed and rinse with plain water in the morning.
Mix rose water and glycerine in equal quantities, apply on the lips at night, and wash off in the morning.
Regular exfoliation is very essential in winter to remove dead skin cells. Prepare a mild scrub using honey and sugar and gently massage the lips.
Warm a little amount of cow’s ghee and massage it lightly onto the lips with your fingertip to improve blood circulation.
Applying mustard oil to the navel after a morning bath and before bedtime is believed to help relieve cracked lips.
Use natural lip balms and avoid harsh ingredients
Beauty experts recommend using lipsticks and lip balms made from natural ingredients. Balms containing coconut oil or argan oil help protect lips from cracking. Choose products that include glycerine, petroleum jelly, or herbal oils. Avoid lip balms with camphor, eucalyptus, or menthol, as they can further dry out the lips.
Use vitamin E–enriched lip balms.
Apply almond oil or cream on the lips at night and leave it on overnight.
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Always remove lipstick using a cleansing cream or gel.
Never lick your lips during winter, as this increases dryness.
How to care for lips in winter?
After washing your face in winter, gently pat your lips dry with a soft towel. Apply fresh cream (malai) on the lips daily for an hour at night. If lips have darkened, add a few drops of lemon juice to the cream before application. Pure almond oil applied at night nourishes the lips deeply. Coconut oil can also be used to remove facial makeup. Include citrus fruits, ripe papaya, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, carrots, oats and dairy products in your daily diet for overall skin and lip health.
