How to Get Rid of Dry Skin on Lips

Dry skin on the lips is a problem that most people face at some point in their lives. While many can simply slap on lip balm and watch the dryness go away, others are plagued with chapped lips. A variety of things can cause dry skin on the lips, such as allergies, certain medications, cosmetics, certain foods and even snoring. No matter what the cause, you can get rid of the dry skin on your lips to reveal the soft, smooth skin underneath.

Exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub 1. Buy a lip scrub product at the drugstore and follow the directions, or make your own at home by mixing a few drops of olive oil with a pinch of sugar. Scoop up the oil-and-sugar mixture with your fingertips, then gently scrub the dry skin from your lips using small, circular motions. Rinse your lips with water and pat them dry with a soft washcloth. Do this a few times per week until the dry skin is gone.

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Brush your dry lips with a soft toothbrush to slough off the dry skin. Moisten the toothbrush with water or put a dab of lip balm on the brush. Scrub your lips gently with the toothbrush every day to eliminate dry skin.

Apply lip balm to your lips frequently throughout the day. Stay away from lip balms that contain flavors, alcohol and fragrances, as these tend to be drying. Instead, choose products with hydrating ingredients such as petrolatum, lanolin, dimethicone, shea butter, beeswax or oils to seal in the moisture.

Tips

Apply lip balm to your lips after exfoliating.

Because dry air in your home may be contributing to your chapped lips, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

Warnings

Rarely, dry skin on the lips can be a sign of a medical problem. Consult your doctor if you suffer from chronic chapped lips to rule out any medical conditions.