Winter is almost (if not already) here, and as temperatures drop and the air dries out, chapped lips could be on their way. In addition, we tend to drink less water in the winter which can leave our skin hopelessly dehydrated. #1) Grab a glass of water. #2) Leave the chapstick at the checkout line because, contrary to popular belief, it is not the best way to heal and hydrate your pretty pout!
In fact, petroleum jelly and other lip balms can actually make the problem worse. And most of us know from experience how bad an idea licking your lips can be. If you suffer from dry or chapped lips, follow these easy DIY exfoliating lip treatments all winter long. You can keep any leftover solution for up to two weeks. Also be sure to apply sunscreen to your lips to keep them protected from UV rays!
A Sweet Solution to Dry Lips
What you’ll need:
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil or jojoba oil
Instructions:
Combine the first three ingredients in a small dish. With clean hands, rub the mixture on your lips in a circular motion until the sugar dissolves. Rinse off your lips with warm water. Use a wash cloth and be sure to wipe off any excess mixture and dead skin, then apply a layer of the coconut or jojoba oil to your lips as a moisturizer.
Not Just for Baking Anymore
What you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- A few drops water
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil or jojoba oil
Instructions:
Place your baking soda in a small dish and add a few drops of water to it to form a paste. With clean hands, use the paste to scrub the dead skin off your lips in a circular motion. Leave the paste on your lips until it dries then wipe it off with a wet washcloth. Apply the coconut oil to your lips as a moisturizer.
Sparkly Clean Lips!
What you’ll need:
- An old toothbrush with soft bristles
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions:
Dip the toothbrush in the coconut oil and apply it to your lips. Brush gently in a circular motion to remove any dead skin. Use a washcloth to wipe off any dead skin and apply another layer of coconut oil to your lips for moisture.
Believe it or not, exfoliating is the key to removing dead skin and regenerating healthy, moisture-rich lips. The cold winter months of dry air, reflecting sun, and lower hydration can take a toll on all of your skin. Starting with your lips, use these recipes and try to exfoliate about once a week or every other week.
