Winter has a firm grasp on the New Jersey area and its chill causes one of the most frustrating ailments: dry, chapped lips. There’s so much advice out there about how to heal chapped lips, but wouldn’t you rather not have to deal with them in the first place? As with many skin ailments, prevention is key! That’s why we put together a list of 7 solid tips to avoid chapped lips in even the driest, coldest, harshest winter conditions.

7 tips to prevent chapped lips this winter:

1. Use a lip balm with SPF: A lip balm with sunscreen will help protect your lips from drying out because even in the winter, the sun can be harsh!
2. Don’t lick: Your saliva evaporates quickly, which dries your lips out, so licking your lips can make matters worse! 
3. Keep it simple: Avoid products with flavors or anything “extra.” They can be fun to try, but the flavors will keep you licking your lips, and anything else could have harmful chemicals.
4. Check the ingredients: Dyes, fragrances, perfumes, and other ingredients can damage your lips, especially if you already have sensitive skin. Ingredients like menthol, lanolin, phenol, salicylic acid, or propyl gallate are best to avoid.
5. Keep hydrated: Always carry a water bottle to avoid dehydration.
6. Use a humidifier: A humidifier in your home or office will help keep the air moist and prevent your lips from drying out.
7. Wear a scarf: If you’re outside on a cold, windy day a scarf can help keep your mouth protected (plus it’s fashionable!).

If you are suffering from chapped lips for over three weeks and they don’t seem to improve, check in with your dermatologist, especially if it’s painful, cracked, or bleeding. There could be an underlying condition that your skincare professional is trained to diagnose and treat.

If you are dealing with dried out, chapped lips, or any other skin, nail, or hair issues, give us a call today. Here at Old Bridge Dermatology, our dermatologist, Dr. Juan Vaillant, has over 30 years of experience to help assess and treat any skin, nail, or hair problem that you are experiencing. To schedule an appointment at our convenient Old Bridge, NJ office, call us today at 732-679-0222.