Chapped lips – Everything you need to know about

What are chapped lips?

The redness, drying, and cracking of lips, all come under the commonly known name of chapped lips. When your lips begin to lose moisture, they chap out. This process of drying is technically called Common Cheilitis.

How common is this condition?

Almost all of us have experienced chapped lips at some point or the other. Being one of the most delicate organs of the body, they are highly vulnerable to deterioration from both the external and the internal changes. 

Your lips are incredibly sensitive, as the layer of skin over them is way thinner than the rest of your face, which has up to 16 layers. The difference is because the skin on your lips does not have the oil or sweat glands that are spread over the other parts of your body, which might actually be a relief. This means, your saliva is the only source of moisture that they have. 

Why is there an increase in cases of chapped lips in the winter season?

We often experience chapped lips in cold weather. As temperatures drop, there is a loss of moisture from the skin to the environment, and the piercing effects can be felt on the lips. Your skin begins to crack, your feet get itchy, and most painful of all, your lips begin to dry up. 

What can you do next?

There are many ways in which you can both prevent and then later get rid of chapped lips. 

Firstly, let’s go around the ways in which you can prevent it:

• Use a humidifier while you sleep

If the entire game is about the lack of moisture, let’s pull out a wild entry. Keeping the humidifier on while you sleep can provide an uninterrupted supply of moisture to your skin and lips which you can use in the day later. 

• Exfoliate your lips once a week

Exfoliating your lips once a week can speed up the skin’s process of dealing with dull and dead skin cells. Through the sloughing and rubbing, you can essentially remove the skin which could go on to take the form of chapped lips. 

• Use SPF proof lip balm

Many lip balms can be elevated to be SPF proof. Exposure to the Sun dehydrates you anyway, why not use an extra layer of protection for your overly-sensitive lips.

• Use synthetic-free toothpaste

With the options out there, you can always choose toothpaste that does not have chemicals or synthetic flavors. Your lips are just one allergic reaction away from getting chapped and flaky. 

• Use a lip balm during the nights too

Using a lip balm when you go to sleep is a good way to provide that extra hydration to your lips at the night.

It’s understandable that for some people, chapped lips are inevitable. 

Hence, here are some of the ways in which you can get rid of chapped lips.

• Avoid putting unnecessary/exuberating chemicals on your lips

A lot of products that you use on your face can contain complex compounds and chemicals such as Camphor, Lanolin, Phenol, Salicylic acid, Mint, and Eucalyptus.

Use a sulfate free gentle face wash. You can try the Pilgrim Volcanic Lava Ash Face Wash that is made with Volcanic Lava Ash, Yugdugu, and White Lotus. The cleanser will soothe and calm your skin while ensuring that the moisture barrier is not stripped off. Using this cleanser will result in you having clear and bouncy skin.

• Use hypoallergenic products on your face

There are many ingredients that can help bring your chapped lips back to life. Instead of irritating your lips further, rehabilitate it with products that have Natural Oils, Castor seed oil, Hemp seed oil, and Shea butter. 

• Use products with sun-protective elements

Ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide protect your skin for the UV rays. While you are in the process of healing your lips, it is essential that you save them from further deterioration. 

When you are out of the house, apply sunscreen and lip balm within 2-hour intervals. We recommend that you use the Pilgrim White Lotus Day Cream that is built with SPF 50. It provides sun protection, improves skin’s elasticity, and hydrates the skin. The cream can also be used to provide sheer coverage for discolorations like redness and hyperpigmentation.

• Ramp up your hydration game

Drinking enough water through the day comes at no cost and a lot of benefits. One of them is a quick recovery of your chapped lips. Infusing mint and other citrus fruits in your water can make the whole “drinking 72 ounces” easier for you. 

• Stop licking, biting, and picking on your lips

You’re hurting, you’re restless and you are annoyed, we get it. But picking on your lips will only worsen the healing process: as licking your lips evaporates its already scarce moisture reserve, whereas you biting your lips will disrupt the cell formation.