Cracked lips can occur for many reasons, including changes in the weather, irritating substances, dehydration and medication changes. This condition is common because the skin around the lips is especially thin and sensitive. When cracked, the lips appear inflamed and scaly with dry skin. Fortunately, healing is a simple, straightforward process. Follow these steps to heal a cracked lip.
Many of the personal care products available on the market today contain irritating ingredients that can worsen skin issues. When these products are used on the face, they may cause excessive dryness in delicate skin, including on and around the lips. Thoughtfully shop when choosing personal care products and opt for soaps, shampoo bars, conditioner bars, body wash bars and lotions that contain naturally-derived and non-irritating ingredients.
Peruse Our Plant-Based Body Wash BarsThe next step is to reduce the irritation and inflammation of the cracked lip while protecting it from further harm. Several natural ingredients can be used to help the healing process. Honey is a good treatment for cracked lips due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Aloe vera and coconut oil are also recommended for their moisturizing and soothing qualities.
Apply the chosen remedy directly to your lips several times a day during the healing process. Avoid licking your lips during the process, as this can remove the remedy, dry out the lips and introduce bacteria and other harmful elements to already damaged skin.
In some cases, cracked lips are covered in dry skin that may inhibit the healing process by preventing the remedies from penetrating the lips properly. Gently exfoliating away this dry skin can promote healing by ensuring the remedies reach the right areas. While several numerous lip scrubs are available on the market, products that are too harsh can worsen the issue.
One popular natural remedy is to take a bag of green tea in warm water and gently rub it on the lips. The warm water softens the skin, the green tea provides antioxidants to promote healing and the consistency of the tea bag softly rubs away dead and dry skin. This process may need to be repeated several times as the cracked lip heals.
In many cases, lips start to crack because they are dry and lack enough moisture to keep them in good condition. Drinking more water can help by keeping the body hydrated and keeping moisture in the skin, especially the thin, delicate skin of the lips. While the traditional advice to drink eight glasses of water a day may be considered excessive today, staying hydrated throughout the day can be very helpful when healing a cracked lip.
A good lip balm will help keep lips soft and supple, preventing cracking in the future. The lip balm chosen should not contain irritating ingredients like eucalyptus, camphor or salicylic acid that can increase dryness. Instead, choose a lip balm with healing ingredients, such as our natural lip balm, which is made with organic ingredients: mango, cocoa and shea butter. These natural ingredients reduce inflammation and moisturize the lips. The lip balm should be applied several times a day and just before going to bed for the best results.
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Following these simple steps will reduce the discomfort of a cracked lip and help it heal faster and more efficiently. Shop mindfully, and choose remedies that are good for the healing process, the body’s overall health and the environment. We carry a wide range of safe and sustainable products for families and their homes to promote health and reduce waste. Browse what we have to offer!
