How to Remove Dry Skin from Your Lips

February 19th, 2009 by Mike

Soft, smooth lips are hard to achieve, especially in the colder winter months. Chapstick only moisturizes, and peeling off the flakes results in cuts and bleeding lips. When your lips resemble the sun-parched, cracked desert plains of Africa, it’s time for drastic action.

There are many products available to remove dry skin from lips, from petroleum jelly to exfoliating lip balm. But some of the easiest remedies can be found in your own bathroom. A soft bristled toothbrush (such as a children’s toothbrush) is the easiest way to exfoliate your lips. First, wet your lips slightly with a warm washcloth. Then, using the dry toothbrush, gently brush the dead skin from your lip, moving the bristles in round, circular motions. After exfoliating, rub some petroleum jelly on the lips to protect them from further dryness.

Another method can be found right in your own kitchen. A simple exfoliator made form olive oil and brown sugar will remove the dry skin from your lips and restore moisture. The brown sugar works to buff the flakes off of your lips, while the oil smooths and replenishes moisture. Lip exfoliators from stores and boutiques can cost as much as $40. A home-made exfoliator will get rid of unwanted and unsightly dry skin without the extra cost.

Your lips retain less moisture than other areas of the skin, and they dry out quickly. In the winter, it might be necessary to invest in a humidifier. A room heated by a furnace has less 10% humidity, but your skin need 30% to remain vital and healthy. A humidifier will prevent your skin from over-drying, especially in the cooler months. It’s also advised that you purchase a nice chapstick (possibly medicated) to soothe dry and chapped lips before they get too bad.

Chapped lips are usually caused by dehydration. You can avoid most of your dry skin problems simply by remaining hydrated. You should never peel the dry skin from your lips, as that can cause small cuts which can then become infected. Sun damage can also creates parched lips, so if you are frequently in the sun, wear chapstick with an SPF.

Chapped and dry lips are an extremely common condition, but they can really be painful and embarrassing. So the next time your lips start to look and feel like a desert, simply follow these steps and you’ll have kissable lips in no time