Healthy lips are one of the major indicators of overall well-being. When one does not care for their lips, it leads to uncomfortable dryness and chapping. Luckily, lip care is not complicated. Simple lifestyle changes like moisturization and eating healthy foods can help individuals maintain soft, supple lips. At the same time, one should avoid a few common mistakes while going about their day that could make the lips dry and damaged.

Not drinking enough water
Water plays an important role in maintaining the health and appearance of one’s lips. When the body gets less water, it first nourishes vital organs and systems, leaving the lips dry. So, it’s no surprise that dry and chapped lips are often the first signs of dehydration.

Choosing the wrong lip care products
Many lip care products contain harsh ingredients like menthol and camphor, which can lead to further dryness. That’s why one should buy balms and glosses with natural moisturizers like beeswax or shea butter. These ingredients help retain moisture and do not strip the lips of natural oils.

Being harsh during exfoliation
The skin on the lips is much thinner and more delicate than the rest of the body, making it more susceptible to damage. So, one should be gentle during exfoliation. Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells without stripping away the essential moisture barrier that protects one’s lips. On the other hand, excessive scrubbing removes the lips’ natural moisture barrier, causing dryness and increased sensitivity. Experts say one should gently exfoliate once a week with products that contain soft, natural ingredients for the best outcome.

Exposing the lips to harsh weather
Exposure to extreme weather conditions can severely impact lip health. During the harsh winter, one should protect their lips with a more substantial lip balm and cover them with a scarf if necessary. In colder climates, the air tends to be drier, which can sap moisture from the lips, leading to dryness, cracking, or bleeding. To combat these problems, one should choose a lip balm rich in emollients like lanolin, petroleum jelly, or shea butter. These ingredients create a protective barrier that locks in moisture and shields the lips from the cold and wind. On sunny days, a lip balm with SPF is crucial to protect the lips from harmful UV rays.