Tips for Your Lips
By Donna Stark
Most of us have had to deal with them at some point or another in our lives and some of us may even be dealing with them now. The dryness, the flaking, the bleeding ... chapped lips are certainly not fun to have! And although you try to take care of them with those expensive lip balms, it seems like there is nothing you can do to keep them from returning year after year, which makes you wonder ... "Am I missing something here?"
Lip Care
Our lips are particularly susceptible to drying out and becoming chapped because they don't contain oil glands, but that doesn't mean we are doomed to having chapped lips forever! Here are some easy suggestions to follow that can help you improve and maintain the health of your lips.
- Choose quality lip balm - Choose a quality lip balm that has natural soothing and moisturizing ingredients and try to avoid those that contain flavorings, dyes, and fragrances. The key idea here is to bring restorative healing to your lips as naturally as possible and to keep any potential irritants away.
- Drink plenty of water - Dehydration can lead to dry lips or can worsen lips that are already chapped, so make sure you are drinking the recommended amount of water each day. Carry a water bottle around with you to make drinking easier.
- Stop licking your lips - When our lips are dry, the natural instinct is to lick them, but doing so may actually make them worse. When the saliva evaporates, it draws moisture away, leaving lips even drier than before. You should also avoid picking at or biting your lips too!
- Be aware of the weather - Cold, dry air and the summer sun can steal the moisture from your lips, and since you can't always avoid the weather, you may have to take preventative steps to keep your lips safe. Cover your mouth with a scarf when the temperatures drop and always apply lip balm with SPF before you even step outdoors. Using an indoor humidifier can help too.
- Ask your doctor - Certain medications can also cause chapped lips, so consult with your doctor if preventative measures at home aren't helping. There may be other options for you.
Show Off Your Smile
It's time to show off your beautiful, healthy smile, don't you think? So be proactive with taking care of your lips and watch out for any early signs of dryness. With some simple lifestyle changes, you may finally be able to say goodbye to chapped lips once and for all!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Hillsboro, Ore.