Most of us have had chapped lips at some point, regardless of the season.

While you might be tempted to keep licking your lips or putting lip balm on your lips for short-term relief, these behaviors might worsen the situation.

Chapped lips can easily become dehydrated, inflamed, and tear, but there are ways to prevent and treat dry, irritated lips, to prevent this from happening.

Why Your Lips Are Chapped

Although many individuals link chapped lips to cold weather, there are a variety of other causes for mouth irritation. Lips cannot moisturize themselves like the rest of the face because they lack oil glands (sebaceous glands that produce sebum).

Licking your lips, dehydration, a lack of fluids, and irritation from cosmetics or skin care products can all cause and worsen the lips’ dehydration and leave them chapped. Furthermore, prolonged sun exposure can make the lips feel dry and blister.

How To Know If You Have Chapped Lips

You’ll likely know when your lips are chapped and treatment is necessary, but some common symptoms include:

-Dryness

-Irritation

-Roughness

-Peeling skin

-Mild pain

How To Prevent Chapped Lips

Using lip balm is the most popular strategy to avoid chapped lips, but there are other effective preventative measures.

Don’t lick your lips or use irritating makeup, spend as little time in cool or hot, dry air, and stay out of the sun as much as possible, and when you are out in the sun, make sure to use a lip balm that contains Spf.

Staying hydrated also helps prevent chapped lips. To keep the space moist, you might also try running a cool-water humidifier in your room.

Ingredients To Avoid While Your Lips Are Chapped: 

To help chapped lips heal, stop applying lip products that contain any of the following ingredients:

-Fragrance, dyes, and glitters

-Camphor

-Flavorings like: Cinnamon, citrus, mint, and peppermint flavors can be especially irritating to dry, chapped lips

-Eucalyptus

-Octinoxate or oxybenzone

-Menthol

-Lanolin

-Phenol (or phenyl)

-Propyl gallate

-Salicylic acid

How To Heal Chapped Lips

It’s time to be more attentive with your lip care routine if you’ve tried the previous preventive measures and your lips are still feeling chapped.

Apply a barrier repair moisturizer to your lips at night and then coat them with oil, such as Zerafite wrinkle protection or choose argan oil since it has calming fatty acids.

Apply lip products that contain both occlusives and humectants during the day. Water cannot evaporate away from the surface because occlusives cover and shield it. Water is drawn into humectants. Occlusives include oils, waxes, and petrolatum, whereas humectants include glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Ingredients That Help Heal Your Chapped Lips:

While some ingredients can irritate dry, cracked lips, others can help them heal. When looking for products to use on your chapped lips, dermatologists recommend ones that contain one or more of the following:

-Castor seed oil

-Hyaluronic acid which works as a humectant to attract water and hydration

-Ceramides which are lipids that form the building blocks of the skin barrier

-Dimethicone

-Hemp seed oil

-Mineral oil

-Petrolatum

-Shea butter

-Sun-protective ingredients, such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide

-White petroleum jelly

It also helps to use products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

When To See A Dermatologist?

Beyond harsh heat and dehydration, there may be another factor contributing to your chapped lips.

After a week or two, if chapped lips still don’t improve with these types of at-home treatments, it is recommended to contact a dermatologist to rule out anything more dangerous, like early precancerous lesions.

It is best to contact a dermatologist in either situation if you have substantial sensitivity or pain because some topical medicines can aid in accelerating healing.

I’ve always been curious about cosmetic treatments that promise younger-looking and healthier skin. That’s when I stumbled upon the world of chemical peels.

The peeling process intrigued me, it uses a chemical solution to remove dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, revealing the fresher, more healthy skin beneath.

Depending on your desired results, like battling fine lines with glycolic acid or enhancing skin texture with salicylic acid, there’s a chemical peel out there suited for nearly every skin type and concern.

Whether you’re looking into light peels for a subtle glow or deep chemical peels for more dramatic results, understanding your options is the first step to achieving that glowing, youthful skin you’re after. 

Selecting the Right Peel for Your Skin

Choosing the type of peel you go with may be the most important part of the chemical peel procedure. From glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid – it can all be overwhelming.

But, I learned that each carries its strengths.

Whether you desire to get rid of fine lines, fight the effects of sun damage, or improve your skin texture, consulting a skincare expert will be a game-changer for you.

They will assess your skin conditions and consider any medical history to recommend the best type of chemical peel.

This customization allows for the best results but also minimizes the chance of side effects like excessive heat sensitivity or unwanted irritation.

Opting for the right type of chemical peel, whether it be a light peel for a subtle glow or a deep chemical peel for more optimal results, will help you achieve longer-lasting results. 

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What To Do Before A Chemical Peel Treatment

Feeling a bit uneasy about my upcoming chemical peel treatment, we did the homework for you.

We learned that the secret to a glow that could quite literally stop traffic starts way before stepping into the treatment room:

• Hit pause on the retinoid cream and any other skin care products containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid at least a week ahead. These powerful components could interfere with the chemical solution. 
• Stay out of the sun to avoid sun damage. Direct sun exposure can make the skin more sensitive, so make sure to slather on a broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. 
• Hydrating your skin is a non-negotiable step. Load up on moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin is plump and resilient. Drinking plenty of water will also help. 
• Preparing the treatment area means keeping it free from any cuts or infections. Make sure the surface of the skin is pristine, treat any small whiteheads, and avoid picking at the skin at all costs. 

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• How is Dermaplaning Facial Different From A Chemical Peel

Chemical Peel Treatment Don’ts

Avoid direct sun exposure at all costs. That tan might seem tempting, but it can compromise the results of your treatment.

I learned the hard way that excessive heat and steam are just big no-nos the week before your Chemical peel. 

Stay away from harsh skincare products. This includes abandoning your beloved facial masks and retinoid creams. Inviting these back into your routine too soon could lead to unwanted irritation or even derail your skin’s healing process.

Above all, avoid activities that might irritate your skin like visiting hot tubs or using a hair dryer on the treated area. Trust me, the sacrifice is slight compared to the rewards. 

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What To Do On The Day Of The Chemical Peel

The morning of the treatment is a very important part of your Chemical peel process. The success of your chemical peel relies heavily on how well you prep your skin on the day of.

Do not apply makeup, lotion, or other products to your skin.

This makes sure that your pores aren’t clogged and that your skin is clean and open to receiving the treatment, crucial for the peel’s effectiveness. 

I cannot stress enough how important it is to follow all these pre-treatment guidelines to ensure a chemical peel that’s safe and gives you the best results.

From selecting the right chemical peel that works well with your skin type to making sure to prep your skin the day of, all these steps are important. 

Usually, a cosmetic issue, bags under the eyes don’t need to be treated.

Treatments at home and changes in lifestyle may lessen puffiness. But, there are ways to treat the dark circles, under-eye puffiness, and lines if the sight starts to bother you.

How To Treat Dark Circles, Under-Eye Puffiness, And Lines

Adopt A Healthy Diet

Water retention is a common side effect of salty foods, and water retention is one aspect that might affect how the under-eye area looks.

While they are anti-inflammatory and water-soluble, collagen supplements, foods high in vitamin A, such as carrots and peppers, as well as meals high in vitamin C are useful in reversing this. Bromelain, a substance found in pineapples, reduces swelling and puffiness.

You can consume these items throughout the day as whole foods or in vitamin form in juices.

Improve Your Sleep Schedule

In general, getting enough sleep helps avoid eye bags since it lowers stress levels and, in turn, your cortisol levels. Rest not only offers your body the chance to repair and recover but also your mind.

Your under eyes will be affected similarly by rest.

Reduce And Maintain Stress Levels

Stress levels have an impact on cortisol levels, which then causes puffiness and bags under the eyes to emerge and get worse.

Acne can also be attributed to excessive amounts of stress. Exercise, journaling, listening to a good podcast, and meditation are a few methods that can help reduce stress.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can also contribute to under-eye puffiness, but fluid retention is typically to blame.

Dehydration can highlight the effects of too much salt, alcohol, or lack of sleep, dark circles, and puffiness appear worse.

Being hydrated properly improves circulation, which aids in removing extra fluid from the eye area. Have a water bottle beside your bed or desk and make it a point to refill it throughout the day.

Reducing Crows Feet

Retinol is the perfect ingredient to go to if you want to get rid of crow’s feet.

This tried-and-true wrinkle-smoother accelerates cell turnover to produce new collagen and elastin.

The area around your eyes is safe to use your standard facial solution, but to be safe, think about using a gentler, buffered version designed just for this area that won’t irritate or create redness.

Use Eye Masks

Self-adhesive presoaked patches deliver a massive amount of skin-quenching hyaluronic acid to the quenched under-eye areas, acting as an IV drip for the area.

Use a pair while getting ready to go out or on a flight since the U-shaped gels “stick” in place, and you’ll arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Use An SPF 30 Or Above

In addition to causing skin cancer, UVA and UVB radiation can also speed up the aging process by destroying collagen and elastin, which results in eye bags, under-eye puffiness, dark circles, and sagging, puffy skin.

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to wear sunscreen every day and you can go the extra mile by wearing sunglasses to shield the eyes from UV rays, which only speed up the aging of the skin.

When we apply sunscreen, the eye area is frequently overlooked as well. I advise using sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.

Cool It Down

Dermatologists advise applying cold cucumber over the eyes. Both the chilly temperature and the cucumber juice have anti-inflammatory elements that ease the eyes.

Green tea bags that have been chilled also work well as a compress. The combination of caffeine and the chilly temperature helps to constrict the blood vessels, which reduces puffy lids.

To lessen the puffiness, you can also massage under the eyes with an ice roller or ice cube.

Eye gels are also ideal for this, and you can keep them in a skincare fridge before applying them to your eyes to reduce the bags and puffiness.

Promote Lymphatic Drainage

Those who are prone to fluid retention can benefit greatly from promoting lymphatic drainage.

I advise applying a gua sha stone or massaging the lower lid in an upward and outward direction to promote lymphatic flow. It’s especially helpful when used in conjunction with an eye cream or serum to the area to avoid accidental irritation to the sensitive eyelid skin.

Alternatively, use a jade roller, rolling it towards the nose rather than away from it. The roller can be stored in the fridge first.

A cold compress is necessary for reducing eye bag swelling, puffiness, and dark circles much like applying ice to a sore to reduce swelling.

Cleansing your skin and using a good toner aren’t the only ways to rejuvenate your skin while doing your skincare.

Enter exfoliation, which helps rid the face of dead skin cells. While you may think this step can be harsh on the skin, it is a necessary step to take.

Our skin has sweat glands (sebaceous glands) and can tolerate exfoliating cleansers and or physical exfoliants without being irritated and tearing.

To learn more about facial exfoliation, including the products and techniques you will need to master the method, read on.

The Benefits Of Facial Exfoliation

This practice of facial exfoliation goes further than skin deep.

Exfoliation is designed to bring rest, relaxation, and balance to your skin When done correctly, exfoliation can both aid in healthy circulation and remove dead skin cells.

Rubbing hard (but gently) and removing flaky skin during the exfoliation process will leave your dermis feeling fresh, smooth, hydrated, and soft.

• Choosing Between Dermaplaning and Chemical Peels to Exfoliate Your Face
• The Ultimate Guide to Sunscreen After Chemical Peels

Physical Exfoliation

There are two leading types of exfoliation.

The first is physical, which should be done twice a week at most. Physical exfoliation uses a tool or device to take off the dead skin layer), strong physical exfoliators should be avoided on the face.

Face scrubs, exfoliating brushes, sponges, or gloves, are all options, but the most common tool is a face scrub.

Physical exfoliation detoxes your face by assisting with lymphatic drainage.

Make sure to wash exfoliating instruments thoroughly after each use, to avoid bacterial buildup. 

Related Post: Benefits of A Dermaplane Facial (Dermaplaning Effects On Your Skin)

Chemical Exfoliation

On the other end of the exfoliation spectrum are chemical products, which use acids or chemicals to loosen the bonds between the dermis’ top layer of cells.

Ingredients such as salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acids, and bakuchiol exfoliate the skin and open the pores. Vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol or tretinoin, also exfoliate, as well as shrink oil glands.

Luckily, testing out chemical formulas is easy; in fact, these ingredients can be found in face washes and cleansers.

A good cleanser will cleanse and exfoliate without compromising the natural pH of the skin (which is our great barrier of protection).

Ultimately, exfoliating treatments are soothing, whether you make a trip to the esthetician or opt for at-home treatments.

Some of my go-to products currently are, Paulas Choice–SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant ($33 on Amazon), which is ultra-fine and great for the oilier dermis, and the Palmer coconut oil sugar facial scrub ($28 on Amazon).

You can even make your own exfoliants at home. I like these DIY facial scrubs that are quick and easy to make at home. All of our scrubs conclude with a moisturizing application that has been thoughtfully chosen to complement and balance the exfoliant.