How to Treat Dry Lips This Winter

How to Treat Dry Lips This Winter

If it feels like you suffer from dry lips once the temperature drops, you’re not alone. Lips dry out 10 times faster than the rest of your face, so extra protection from the elements is essential. Keep lips feeling soft and nourished all winter long with these tips.

What Causes Dry Lips

Lips don’t have the same concentration of oil glands as the rest of your skin, so when the temperature drops, lips can feel dry, flaky and flat-out uncomfortable.

Cold air and chilling winds do a number on your exposed lips, so it’s important to think of healing dry lips as a two-step method: nourish first, then protect.

How to Treat Dry Lips

Making sure your lips stay moisturized is key to helping repair a damaged skin barrier. Look for occlusive ingredients like Beeswax, which create a physical barrier on your skin to trap in moisture and protect against harsh weather.  

AM:

An easy way to make Lip Balm part of your morning routine is to keep a tube by your toothbrush and swipe on to nourish lips right after you brush. Reapply before heading out or if you feel that dry, tight feeling.

Wearing lip color? Try a quick Lip Scrub before you apply for smooth lips and seamless color.

PM:

Now’s the time for extra hydration. Use your Lip Scrub to gently buff away any lingering dry spots before smoothing on an overnight lip treatment.

These treatments are usually a little bit thicker than your regular lip balms and can be infused with skin care ingredients such as ceramides (like ours!) so they dish out extra hydration and help heal as you sleep. 

Don’t Lick Your Lips

We know, it’s tempting. When you lick your lips, you may think you’re moisturizing them, but it just dries your lips faster. Keep a Lip Balm in your pocket or on your phone so you can swipe on anytime your lips crave moisture.

Sleep with a Humidifier

The flip side of cold winter weather is the warm, cozy indoor environment we create. Dry indoor heat zaps humidity and causes moisture from your skin and lips to evaporate faster, drying out skin even more. Sleep with a humidifier nearby to help keep skin and lips hydrated.

Don’t Forget SPF

Fun fact: snow reflects up to 80% the sun’s UV light, so the rays hit your skin (and lips) twice. Even if you’re spending time outdoors without snow, you still need a Lip Balm with SPF, since UV rays penetrate through clouds year-round.

Your response to skin care products may vary. Ask a healthcare professional about the most suitable skin care regimen for you.