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Peeling lips are a problem for many people. You can stop your lips from peeling by taking preventative actions like protecting your lips from the wind and sun. You should also make sure you are using the right types of products on your lips while avoiding those that can cause irritation and peeling. Making easy lifestyle changes like drinking plenty of water and sleeping with a humidifier can also stop your lips from peeling.
Steps
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Use sunscreen. Exposure to harmful UV rays can cause your lips to crack and peel. You can avoid unnecessary sun exposure by applying sunscreen to your lips. Opt for a moisturizing lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
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Protect your lips from the wind. Harsh winds can dry your lips, leading to peeling. You can help protect your lips from the wind by wearing a scarf, especially during the winter. You can also help prevent wind-related damage and peeling by avoiding extreme weather whenever possible. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to sourceAdvertisement
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Apply lip balm before washing your face. Your facial cleanser could be drying out your lips and making them peel. Common cleanser ingredients benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can cause your lips to chap, especially if you are exposing your lips to the ingredients regularly. A moisturizing lip balm can protect your lips from these drying ingredients. [3] X Research source
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Talk to your doctor. Peeling lips can be caused by an allergic reaction to products like toothpaste or lipstick, foods, beverages, or even medication. If you think your peeling lips are the result of an allergic reaction or other underlying medical condition, talk to your doctor. [4] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source
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Wear a moisturizing lip balm. Keeping your lips moisturized with a good lip balm will help prevent peeling. Go for a lip balm that contains nourishing ingredients like almond oil, Shea butter, coconut oil, or beeswax. Apply a moisturizing lip balm throughout the day and right before bed. [5] X Research source
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Avoid lip products with irritating ingredients. Your lip balm could be doing more harm than good for your peeling lips. Ingredients like phenol, menthol, alcohol, salicylic acid, and fragrances can irritate your lips and cause them to peel. For example, cinnamon is a common culprit that can irritate your lips. [6] X Research source
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Use a sugar-based lip scrub. Scrubs containing irritating ingredients like salt can inflame your peeling lips. Instead of exfoliating your lips with a potentially irritating scrub, try making a sugar-based lip scrub at home to gently slough off peeling skin. [7] X Research source
- Combine one teaspoon brown sugar, one teaspoon white sugar, one teaspoon honey, and 1/2 teaspoon olive oil.
- Mix the ingredients together and then massage on your lips for about 20 seconds.
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Reconsider matte lipsticks. Matte lipsticks are notorious for drying out your lips. They can cause irritation that leads to chapped or peeling lips. Avoid matte lipsticks and instead opt for lipsticks that contain conditioners like shea butter or macadamia oil. [8] X Research source
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Don’t lick your lips. Licking your lips can cause them to feel drier. Over time, excessive licking of the lips can cause dermatitis and peeling. Licking your lips can also cause dry, peeling skin in the area surrounding your mouth. [9] X Research source
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Use a humidifier. A lack of moisture in your indoor environment can lead to chapped or peeling lips. You can replace moisture in the air with a humidifier. Try sleeping with a humidifier on to keep your lips and skin hydrated. [10] X Research source
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Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is key to preventing and healing chapped, peeling lips. Men should aim for about 13 cups or 3 liters of water each day. Women should consume around 9 cups or 2.2 liters of water daily. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Don’t pick at peeling lips. Picking or biting at peeling lips can cause further irritation. Picking can lead to discomfort and pain, as well as make your lips unsightly. Avoid biting or picking your lips. Instead, apply a moisturizing lip balm when you get the urge to pick. [12] X Research source
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References
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/03/6-tips-to-protect-your-lips-from-the-cold/
- ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/chapped-lips-cure/
- ↑ http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/allergic-contact-cheilitis/
- ↑ http://www.today.com/style/put-down-lip-balm-doctor-approved-list-chapped-lips-do-t69466
- ↑ http://www.prevention.com/beauty/irritating-lip-balm-ingredients/slide/1
- ↑ http://www.thewonderforest.com/2014/03/diy-homemade-natural-lip-scrub.html
- ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/chapped-lips-cure/
- ↑ http://www.today.com/style/put-down-lip-balm-doctor-approved-list-chapped-lips-do-t69466
About This Article
Article Summary
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To stop your lips from peeling, avoid licking your lips, which can make them drier and more likely to crack. You can also use moisturizing lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher to avoid harmful UV rays that can cause your lips to peel. Drinking more water can also help heal and prevent peeling lips, so aim to consume 9 to 13 glasses a day. Additionally, try using a humidifier, especially when you sleep, to keep the air moist, which will keep your lips from cracking. During harsh weather, keep your lips covered with a scarf so the cold or wind doesn't cause any breaking skin. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to use lip balm to prevent peeling lips, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
- "All my life I have always had dry lips, and when I looked up how to help I found this article very useful. It told me how to prevent dry lips, what's is causing it and how to fix it. My favorite thing that I tried was the sugar scrub.10 out 10 article." ..." more
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"All my life I have always had dry lips, and when I looked up how to help I found this article very useful. It told me how to prevent dry lips, what's is causing it and how to fix it. My favorite thing that I tried was the sugar scrub.10 out 10 article."
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"Specifically, the licking and picking peeling parts were really helpful. I think it's true because I lick and peel my lips so much that the cracks don't stop. I will probably make a change."
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"So I always bite and peel skin off my lips cause the skin was coming off and reading this gave me some way to help that peeling skin."
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"I never knew that saliva evaporates fast making my lips drier. Can't wait until my lips are looking beautiful again."
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