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At this point, I think we can safely agree that lip balms are a necessity. Not only are they in our makeup bags - they're in all our bags, on our desks, by our beds, in our cars, in the kitchen drawer, on the bathroom sink, and also probably in one of our pockets right now.
I love a good lip balm, especially for someone who is prone to dry lips. It can be the weather, the air conditioning, breathing through my mouth when I sleep, or not drinking enough water. I kind of know why I get dry lips hence the need for countless lip balms - just in case I run out? And besides, I'm a sucker for cute miniature packaging! What can I say?
Whether it's due to hot and humid weather, or cold and dry conditions, chapped lips have a way of sneaking up on us every now and then. And of course, without any hesitation, we reach for our trustee lip balm which we know will bring instant relief.
But not all lip balms are created equal, are they? Some work like magic, while others...well, they're just meh.
Moisturized, supple lips are something we all want - just like clear, glowing skin, but sometimes, our lips are the one thing that we take for granted because most of the time it's covered with lipstick and gloss.
The weather might be out of our control, but we can definitely control how we care for our lips. The key is to have a simple, effective lip care routine to keep those dry, chapped lips at bay before they get worse.
Let's see what actually causes chapped lips, how to treat them, and which lip balms actually work for chapped lips.
What Causes Chapped Lips
Before we start stocking up on lip balms, it's important to know why our lips get dry and chapped in the first place. Apart from the weather, there are reasons that can contribute to chapped lips or make dry lips worse.
1 — The Weather.
Heat, humidity, or cold dry air - all can cause dry chapped lips. In the winter, air lacks moisture, and because of that, your body tends to pull hydration from your skin, your lips included. Whereas in the summer, the summer sun and heat can dehydrate your lips, also leaving them dry and chapped.
2 — Dehydration.
If you're not drinking enough water and keeping yourself hydrated, you're lips will become dry, no matter how much lip balm you try to slap on. What's worse is dehydration can show on your skin as well and that's not really what we want do we?
3 — Licking Your Lips.
It's only natural to lick your lips when you feel it feeling taut and dry thinking it'll be a quick fix. The thing is our saliva evaporates quickly and pulls moisture with it as it does that and as a result it can leave your lips drier than before.
4 — Irritating Ingredients.
Some lip balms can contain ingredients that can do more harm to your already compromised lip barrier. Ingredients like menthol, camphor, fragrance, and flavorings can be big contributors in worsening your lips.
5 — Vitamin Deficiencies.
The lack of certain vitamins, like vitamin B and iron can also lead to dry cracked lips. If you notice persistent chapping and cracking, especially at the corners of your lips, you might want to look into your diet.
What You Can Do To Treat Chapped Lips
So what can you do to save those lips to make sure your lips stay smooth, soft, and happy, no matter what the season is?
1 — Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate.
You need to drink more water and eat foods that hydrate like cucumber and watermelon. Your hydration levels can reflect on your lips so make sure you're drinking enough fluids throughout the day. If you have trouble drinking plain water you can try some of these flavoured water ideas here.
2 — Moisturize Regularly.
Use a hydrating lip balm throughout the day, especially before bed. You'll want something rich in moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or coconut oil that will actually lock in moisture and prevent moisture loss. Other great ingredients in a lip balm are jojoba oil, almond oil, cocoa butter, petroleum jelly, lanolin, vitamin E, and aloe vera so look out for them when selecting a lip balm.
3 — Exfoliate, Gently.
Flaky lips can also be caused by a build-up of dead skin cells on your lips. Exfoliating them gently using a lip scrub, a soft toothbrush or a DIY sugar scrub can help get rid of dead skin cells. Do this once or twice a week to keep your lips smooth.
4 — Avoid Irritants.
When picking a lip balm stay away from those that contain ingredients that might irritate your lips. Look for lip balms without fragrances, alcohol, flavorings, or menthol, especially if you have sensitive lips.
5 — Use a Humidifier.
If you live in a dry climate or your heating system makes the air in your home super dry, consider using a humidifier, especially at night. It will help maintain the moisture levels in the air and keep your lips and skin from drying out.
9 Best Lip Balms For Chapped Lips
Here are nine lip balm recommendations that truly live up to their promise of leaving your lips soft, smooth, and chapped-free.
Aquaphor is the ultimate heavy-duty balm for severely chapped lips. I use this almost every night and it hasn't failed me yet. It’s fragrance-free, making it great for sensitive lips, and its petroleum-based formula locks in moisture without feeling greasy. It also contains soothing chamomile and vitamins to nourish and heal cracked lips.
For those who love a good multitasker, Vaseline’s Lip Therapy is a go-to. It’s a simple yet effective product made from petroleum jelly, which acts as a barrier to lock in moisture.
If you want to wake up with pillow-soft, moisturized lips, this is it! Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is designed to work overnight, deeply moisturizing your lips while you sleep. It’s rich, hydrating, and leaves your lips feeling plump and healthy by morning. This is my personal favorite and I'll always be repurchasing it!
This one's a classic, and for good reason! Burt's Bees Lip Balm contains beeswax, which naturally conditions your lips, along with vitamin E for added moisture. It comes in a variety of flavors and scents if that's what you're looking for, if not they have plain ones and even a medicated one too!
For those with sensitive or easily irritated lips, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips is a game-changer. This balm is specially formulated for repairing and protecting dry, chapped, and damaged lips. It’s packed with soothing ingredients like panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), which helps with lips repair, and it creates a barrier to shield your lips from environmental stressors. It’s fragrance-free, making it perfect for anyone prone to allergic reactions or sensitivity.
O'Keeffe’s Lip Repair Balm is designed to provide long-lasting moisture and relief for the driest of lips. It promises to heal, relieve, and repair severely chapped lips in just one use. This balm is great for those who need something strong enough to withstand the harshest conditions but still want a non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula. It’s available in both unscented and cooling relief options, so you can choose what suits you best.
If you’re dealing with painful, cracked lips, Blistex Medicated Lip Balm offers instant relief. Its medicated formula helps heal and protect your lips, providing soothing moisture without the heavy feel of thicker balms.
If you love natural ingredients and a bit of luxury in your lip care routine, the Farmacy Honey Butter Lip Balm is a perfect pick. This rich balm combines honey (known for its healing properties) and cupuaçu butter to deeply moisturize and soothe lips. The honey gives it a soft, nourishing feel, while the added butter ensures your lips stay soft and hydrated for hours. It’s also packed with antioxidants, making it a great everyday balm to keep your lips protected.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm has become a favorite among beauty lovers for its ultra-hydrating, buttery texture. Infused with shea and murumuru seed butters, this balm provides long-lasting moisture while giving your lips a subtle sheen. It’s great for anyone looking for a lip balm that’s as luxurious as it is effective.
Whether you're suffering from chapped lips or not, a good lip balm is a must in your beauty arsenal. Remember prevention is better than cure so make sure you're drinking lots of water, exfoliating regularly, and using a good quality lip balm to keep your lips soft, supple, and hydrated.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, if you purchase something using my links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
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