Fashion

How to Cure Painful Chapped Lips

It's probably already happened to you this season: you reach for your favorite lipstick only to realize that your lips are too broken and raw for anything but lip balm. Not only is it unsightly, it's painful and uncomfortable. But curing winter's chapped lip isn't as daunting and difficult as it may seem. With a few essential products, some of which are already in your kitchen cupboard, you can bounce back to a perfect pout in no time. Here's how.

MAKE A SUGAR SCRUB

Mix 1 teaspoon of olive or coconut oil and a spoonful of brown sugar together until it makes a pasty texture. Apply this mixture to your lips and scrub off as many flakes as possible, gently with your fingertip. After, rinse off your lips with water. For added oomph, try adding some honey and orange or lemon zest.

SEAL YOUR LIPS OVERNIGHT

A lot of us may not like to admit it, but we actually spend majority of our time sleeping at night with our mouths open, which is a major culprit in causing dry, cracked lips. Before you go to bed, apply a thick balm to keep your pout hydrated, like Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy.

Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy, $4, Amazon

SWITCH YOUR TOOTHPASTE

You might be allergic to the ingredients in your toothpaste, which can cause chapped lips. Consider switching to an all natural alternative, such as Tom's of Maine's Toothpaste.

Tom's of Maine Natural Toothpaste, $3, Amazon

SLICE UP A CUCUMBER

Cucumber isn't just good for your eyes. It can help rehydrate your sore lips, too. Slice up thin pieces and put them over your parched pout for at least five minutes. This should help bring back some life back to your lips.

SKIP THE SPICY AND SALTY TREATS

Foods that are super salty or spicy can dry out your lips even more than they already are. While you're using the methods above, consider skipping foods high in sodium. Perhaps an all-Christmas cookie diet is in order.