How to Moisturize the Lips Right

When lips feel dry, we often lick the lips to wet it. But, this method can worsen the condition of dry lips. For that, know how to moisturize the right lips. Dry lips can be caused by various factors, such as weather, sunlight, and dry air. Lips are very often exposed by various factors from the environment, but do not have oil glands to protect it. In addition, lack of drinking water can also make lips dry. Given the many things that can cause dry lips, it is very important to understand the correct way to moisturize lips.

How to Moisturize Lips

Some people think licking lips is the most practical way to help moisturize it. But in fact, after the saliva dries, it will reduce the moisture on the lips. The result, the lips will become drier. Here are some ways to moisturize your lips properly:

• Maintain adequate body fluids

The condition of dry and chapped lips becomes one of the signs that you are dehydrated. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. If necessary, use a humidifier to keep the surrounding air moist, which will also affect the moisture of your lips.

• Applying lip balm

When the lips are dry, apply lip balm. Choose lip balm with emollient ingredients, such as coconut oil and petroleum jelly. Lip moisturizer with this ingredient will help relieve dry lips and not cause irritation. However, you should avoid lip balm with flavor, because it will only make you lick your lips more often.

• Choosing lip products with sunscreen

Using lip balm containing sunscreen when outdoors activities can protect damage to the lips, by reducing the effects of ultraviolet rays on the lips.

• Do not nibble or peel the skin on the lips

Flaking the skin of the lips which is smooth and thin can cause pain and bleeding lips. In addition, it can also slow down the recovery process on the lips.

• Change breathing techniques

Not many are aware of breathing through the mouth can trigger dry lips. Change breathing techniques with breathing through the nose, as a way to keep lips moist.

Avoid the Causes of Dry Lips

Dry lips are not only caused by weather, sunlight, and humidity. There are several other factors that can also cause the lips to lose moisture quickly, such as:

• Caffeine

Consumption of drinks containing caffeine can increase the risk of dry lips. Too much consumption of drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or chocolate, can make skin dry from the inside.

• Certain medications

Taking certain medications can also increase the risk of dry and chapped lips. Medications that can cause the condition include chemotherapy drugs, lithium (drugs for bipolar disorder), and vitamin A supplements.

• Alcoholic beverages

Consumption of alcoholic drinks can also cause lips to become dry and chapped. Consuming too much alcoholic drinks will interfere with the absorption of vitamins in the body, so your vitamin needs cannot be fulfilled.

In addition, watch out for dry lips as a sign of disease or health problems, such as infection or malnutrition. If the method of moisturizing your lips at home doesn't work, you should see a doctor immediately.