Dry lips are not only a problem for appearance, but also for your comfort and even your health. Therefore, you must pay attention to lip health so that complaints of dry lips can be avoided. Curious how? Come on, see the following information.
Unlike other parts of the body, the skin on the lips doesn't have as many oil glands, making them dry and cracked more easily. This problem can make the lips become irritated or turn black in color. However, this problem can actually be avoided easily, provided you take the right precautions.
How to Prevent Dry Lips
So that the problem of dry lips does not come, here are some ways to prevent dry lips that you can apply:
1. Smearing lip balm
Lip balm can help retain lip moisture, so lips don't dry out easily. It is recommended that you apply lip balm before applying lipstick, before going outside, before going to bed, or every time the lips feel dry.
Choice lip balm There are various on the market, but you should avoid it lip balm containing flavorings, perfumes, menthol, or salicylic acid if you have sensitive or chapped lips. Choose lip balm which contain petroleum jelly, ceramide, shea butter, or castor seed oil.
2. Using lip sunscreen
Besides being able to moisturize, make sure too lip balm The one used contains sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, so that the lips are protected from sun exposure. This is important to note because exposure to direct sunlight can also make lips dry quickly.
3. Drink enough water
To prevent dry and chapped lips, you must drink enough water. So, make it a habit to consume at least 8 glasses of water a day, so that the body is well hydrated and lip moisture is maintained.
The way to measure whether your body is properly hydrated or not is to look at the color of your urine. If the color looks light yellow or almost clear, it means that your body's fluid needs have been fulfilled properly.
4. Stop the habit of licking lips
The habit of licking the lips does not make the lips moist, but instead makes them dry. The reason is, the saliva used to wet the lips evaporates faster, making it easier for the lips to dry.
5. Using water humidifier
Keeping the air moist in the room with water humidifier can help keep the skin moist, especially if you have a habit of snoring while sleeping. This is because breathing through your mouth can also make your lips dry faster.
6. Avoid substances that trigger irritation and allergies
It's the same when choosing lip balms, You also have to be careful when buying lip cosmetics. Avoid ingredients in lip cosmetics that can cause allergies or irritation, such as parabens, fragrances, camphor, and menthol.
Likewise with foods that are very spicy or contain a lot of salt, avoid these foods because they can irritate the surface of the lips or remove the natural moisture of the lips.
How to prevent dry lips above can make your lips look more moisturized and healthy. However, dry lips are actually a normal condition if it only happens occasionally. In addition, if there are family members, such as your little one who has dry lips, you can apply some of the methods above.
You don't have to worry too much if your lips feel very dry. This could be due to cold or dry weather and air conditions, it could also be due to the influence of certain drugs, such as isotretinoin which is commonly used to treat acne.
If your lips are dry and chapped, don't be tempted to peel them. This habit will make the complaint of dry lips worse and the healing process will take longer.
If complaints of dry lips occur very often and do not work by preventing dry lips that have been recommended above, you should consult a doctor to get the right examination and treatment.