Keep Your Lips Kissable! 7 Tips to Prevent the Drying Effects of Cold Weather

Winter weather wreaks havoc on the skin. Harsh winds, wet snow, and cold temperatures sap moisture and accentuate fine lines and wrinkles. Most women remember to add a little extra moisturizer to their face, body, and hands, and many go the extra mile by investing in a heavier face cream for the winter months, but many forget about their lips. Then, when they go to apply lipstick, ugh! Flakes, cracks, and crevices.

The tender, thin skin on your lips is actually the most sensitive on your face (besides under the eyes), and requires extra care to avoid looking dry, chapped, and wrinkled. To keep your lips healthy, smooth and kissable, follow these tips.

1. Always use sunscreen. Since the skin on lips is so thin and fragile, protection from harmful UV rays is even more important. Don’t think just because the summer sun is gone you’re safe—winter sun still penetrates skin with harmful UVA rays, so find a lip balm with an SPF of at least 20 and apply regularly, or invest in a sunscreen made for lips, like Burt’s Bees Lifeguard’s Choice with titanium dioxide.

2. Moisturize. The skin of the lips—unlike the rest of your skin—lacks the oil glands that assist in retaining moisture. Therefore, applying outside moisturizer becomes even more important. You can accomplish this with a good lip balm, but be sure to look for one with real moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or cocoa butter. Petroleum jelly isn’t a good option as it merely forms a damp layer on the lips, rather than nourishing them.

3. Exfoliate. You do it to your face and body, why not your lips? Exfoliating gets rid of the dry skin and dead-skin cells, helping your lips appear smoother and softer. While you’re scrubbing your face, dab a little exfoliating wash on your lips, and scrub gently back and forth with your finger.

4.  Drink water. You know the old rule—at least eight 8-ounce glasses a day. It helps keep your lips hydrated. Try it—you’ll notice the difference!

5.  Avoid licking or chewing your lips. It may be a habit, but it dries lips and retards the healing of any cracks. Saliva also turns lips darker and dryer. In harsh winter weather conditions, it will chap your lips in a hurry. If you have the urge to lick or chew, apply lip balm instead.

6. Be cautious with long-lasting lipsticks. Those wear-long and matte brands may be convenient, but they can also be drying. Apply lip balm before applying the lipstick, or simply choose a more moisturizing formula during the cold weather months.

7. Watch your diet. What you eat affects your skin, and the lips are no exception. To boost moisture, increase your intake of omega-3s (fish and nuts) and B vitamins (dark, leafy greens).