Dry lips or chapped lips are a common problem in cold months of winter when they look, flaky, red and cracked. They can also become painful and swollen with possible bleeding. Common causes of dry lips include cold weather and diet low in fatty acids and vitamins. Dry lips can also occur when you try to exfoliate your lips often. If it occurs chronically, that may be due to an underlying medical condition, which needs to be investigated by your doctor. In most cases dry lips can be treated with home remedies.

How to Get Rid of Dry Lips                  

1. Exfoliate with sugar

Sugar naturally exfoliates your skin. It also improves blood circulation in your lips and restores its natural color. Take 1 teaspoon of brown or white sugar. Add a few drops of olive oil and half a teaspoon of honey to it and make a paste. Apply this paste on your lips and gently rub in circular motions and finally wash it off using warm water. You can use this preparation every other day and when the symptoms improve reduce it to once or twice a week. Regular use of this method helps in maintaining soft and smooth lips.    

2. Honey

Honey has antibacterial and humectants properties, which makes it a natural healing agent for dry lips. You can apply plain honey directly on your lips to help them regain moisture and heal. Honey can also be mixed with glycerin to make a preparation that can be applied to your lips at night before your bedtime. Your lips will appear smooth and healthy in the morning.

3. Rose petals

Rose petal contains vitamin E and it is a good moisturizer. How to get rid of dry lips? The properties of rose petals help heal dry lips and restore the color of your lips. An ideal way to use rose petals is by soaking them in milk for 2-3 hours and then making a paste by crushing the rose petals. You should apply this paste to your dry lips and leave it for 20 minutes. You can repeat this every day.

4. Natural oils

Natural oils such as coconut oil, castor oil, jojoba oil and olive oil are good moisturizers. Applying them on your dry lips will have an immediate soothing effect. You can rub these oils in gentle circular motion on your lips to improve blood circulation and to moisturize your lips. Coconut oil also has an anti-inflammatory property that is ideal for healing your dry lips. Jojoba oil is rich in vitamin E, B vitamins and minerals. You can carry these oils to reapply whenever necessary throughout the day. You can also mix olive oil and water and consume as an oral therapy.   

5. Milk cream

Milk cream is rich in fats; hence, has good moisturizing properties. You should apply milk cream directly on your dry lips. Wash it with warm water after 10 minutes.

6. Cucumber

Cucumber is a vegetable with natural cooling properties. You can gently rub a slice of cucumber onto your dry lips for a cooling and soothing effect. You can also crush a couple of cucumber slices and apply it as a mask on your lips. Leave it on the lips for 10 minutes and wash it with water. How to get rid of dry lips? This method is a very convenient way.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a natural skin moisturizer that also has anti-inflammatory properties. It can soothe and heal dry skin. Aloe Vera gels and creams are available in the market. You can apply them several times a day until your dry lips heal.

8. Green tea

The antioxidant properties of green tea are ideal for moisturizing and healing dry lips. Green tea will also soothe the burning sensation. Dip green tea bag in warm water and place it on your dry lips for a few minutes. Repeat this every day until your lips heal.

9. Cocoa butter

Cocoa butter has moisturizing properties and is a common remedy for dry lips. Shea butter, peanut butter and clarified butter (ghee) are natural moisturizers similar to cocoa butter. You can use whichever ingredient is easily available. You can apply them directly on your lips preferably before bedtime.

10. Flaxseed oil

Flax seed oil is a natural moisturizer, which contains fatty acids. Applying flax seed oil directly on your lips is an effective remedy for dry lips. Your lips will heal and become soft and smooth again.  

11. Licorice root

Licorice root has glycyrhizic acid, which contains anti-inflammatory properties. Mix 1 table spoon of licorice root powder with half a teaspoon of petroleum jelly and make a paste. Apply this paste on your dry lips directly before bed time. The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice along with the moisturizing and soothing properties of petroleum jelly will effectively heal your dry lips.  

12. Lemon juice

Lemon is a good exfoliant. It is very effective for treatment of dry lips and also restores the natural color of the lips. Add one teaspoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon of honey and half a teaspoon of castor oil and mix well. Apply this preparation on your dry lips and leave it for 10 minutes. Wash with warm water. Repeat every day until your lips heal. The moisturizing and soothing properties of castor oil and honey along with the exfoliant properties of lemon juice makes this preparation an effective cure for dry lips. How to get rid of dry lips? You can get rid of dry lips by using lemon juice. 

13. Drink lots of water

Dry lips are a sign of dehydration. Dry and chapped lips usually appear in winter. During winter we tend to drink less water and opt for warm beverages such as coffee and tea, which dehydrates the body. Drinking sufficient amount of water (at least 8-10 glasses) every day will prevent dry lips and keep them healthy and moisturized. You can also use a humidifier to retain the humidity in your room to prevent dry skin and lips.  

14. Chang your diet

Eat a balanced diet especially one that is rich in vitamin E and vitamin C. Nuts, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and avocado are rich in vitamin E. Kiwi, broccoli, tomatoes, red and green bell pepper and spinach are rich in vitamin C. Avoid coffee and soda in your diet as these can further dry your lips.