How to Have Healthy Lips

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If you are tired of having dry, cracked, peeling, or chapped lips, there are some things you can do to help them. Caring for your lips requires you to keep them healthy both inside and out. To get the healthy lips of your dreams you should treat them gently and use protective products on them. You should also care for your overall health so that your lips stay in good condition.

1

Avoid licking your lips.

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    When you lick your lips it is usually in an attempt to moisturize them. In fact, not only does it dry out the surface, it also creates a lot of damaging friction on the lips.
    • It can be hard to stop licking your lips when you do it subconsciously. Try to be very conscious of what you are doing with your tongue and do something else with your mouth, such as sucking on a toothpick.
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2

Stop picking and biting your lips.

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    To keep them healthy, avoid damaging the surface by picking at the skin with your fingers or biting at the skin with your teeth.
    • Usually, picking happens when there is already damage to the surface of your lips. However, it is much better to leave the surface of your lips alone while they heal than to remove peeling or damaged skin with your fingers.
3

Don't touch your lips excessively.

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    Your goal should be to leave the surface alone as much as possible, so that the skin surface of the lips remains intact.
    • This is not to say that you can never touch your lips. It just means that you shouldn't touch your lips all of the time.
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4

Keep your lips away from wind and sun.

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    If possible, protect them from exposure to the elements. [1]
    • If you are walking in a windy area, cover your lips with a piece of clothing, such as a scarf.
    • If you are spending time in the sun, try to keep your lips protected, either with a piece of clothing or sunscreen.
5

Treat lip infections and diseases.

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    It is relatively common to have a disease or infection that impacts the health of your lips. Some common lip infections and diseases that can benefit from treatment include: [2]
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6

Use moisturizing products on your lips.

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    Extreme weather can harm your lips and leave them chapped and dry, so be sure to give your lips a protective coating so they don't get red and chapped. [3]
    • Petroleum jelly is a cheap and effective product that can moisturize your lips and prevent them from getting chapped.
    • If you want some color on your lips, try a tinted lip balm or lip gloss. You can also put on lipstick over petroleum jelly if you want color and protection.
    • Lip balms come in a variety of scents, like mint and vanilla. You can also use an unscented product. [4]
7

Apply sunscreen to your lips daily.

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    Look for a lip balm or chapstick that contains sunscreen and apply it daily before exposing your lips to the sun.
    • Pick a lip balm or chapstick that has an SPF rating of 30 or higher.
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    If your lips are tender or swollen, it could be caused by products you are putting on them. Keep track of your symptoms and stop using any products that may be irritating your lips.
    • For example, many lip plumping products can be used safely but there is a chance that they will irritate your lips. If the product you are using is irritating or hard on the surface of your lips, stop using it.
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8

Exfoliate your lips lightly, if necessary.

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    While you can use beauty products designed for gentle exfoliation, you can also just use a soft toothbrush to gently rub the surface.
9

Drink plenty of water.

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    Hydrated lips are less prone to crack or to becoming chapped. You should aim to drink between 2,200–3,000 millilitres (9.3–12.7  c) of fluids every day. [7]
    • If you need to drink more water , try carrying water with you at all times.
    • Increase your water intake by drinking it at set times every day, such as right when you wake up, when you take a break at work, or when you come home from work.
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10

Eat a healthy diet .

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    One easy way to make your diet healthier is to increase the intake of fresh vegetables and fruits you eat. You should also stay away from junk foods, such as sweets and fried foods.
    • You should also change the type of beverages you drink when you are trying to eat a healthier diet. For instance, avoid carbonated drinks, instead go for water or fresh fruit juices.
11

Stop smoking.

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    One key way to keep your lips healthy is to not smoke. It also dramatically increases your chance of getting lip cancer, which can be life-threatening and severely damaging to the lips. [8]
    • If you are having a hard time quitting smoking on your own, talk to your doctor about how they might help you. This may include medication or behavioral therapies. [9]
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12

Keep your immune system healthy.

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  1. A strong immune system helps your fight off any infections. Stock up on supplements for zinc, copper, and vitamin C to help keep it in check.
    • Treat your body well. Reduce your stress levels, get enough sleep, eat healthy, and exercise to boost your immune system.

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      References

      1. ↑ http://u.osu.edu/buckmdblog/2013/01/28/what-can-i-do-to-prevent-chapped-lips/
      2. ↑ https://u.osu.edu/buckmdblog/2013/01/28/what-can-i-do-to-prevent-chapped-lips/
      3. ↑ http://u.osu.edu/buckmdblog/2013/01/28/what-can-i-do-to-prevent-chapped-lips/
      4. ↑ Tymia Yvette. Makeup & Lash Artist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
      5. ↑ Tymia Yvette. Makeup & Lash Artist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
      6. ↑ Tymia Yvette. Makeup & Lash Artist. Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.
      7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20356431
      8. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-aging-mouth-and-how-to-keep-it-younger
      9. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/cessation/quitting/index.htm

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to have healthy lips, apply moisturizing products, like petroleum jelly or lip balm, to protect them from the effects of cold or dry weather. You should also protect your lips from the sun by applying a chapstick with an SPF rating of 30 or higher every day. When your lips are flaky and peeling, consider using a gentle exfoliating lip scrub, which can replenish your lips and keep them soft. In addition to using products, you can keep your lips healthy and moist by avoiding the urge to lick them, since saliva actually dries them out. Also, try not to touch your lips excessively or pick and bite them, because lips are sensitive and can be damaged easily. For more tips from our Medical co-author, like how to take care of your general health to keep your lips healthy, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Jan 29, 2019

        "I practiced the methods from this article for almost a month, and they indeed work. Thank you so much!"
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