We can all agree that dry, chapped lips are anything but cute. While cold temperatures are mostly to blame for this unsightly and painful result, you yourself may be making the problem worse without even knowing it. Read on to find out the biggest mistake women make in the wintertime with their lips and take steps to avoid it!
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For hydrated lips, Dr. Wu also suggests drinking plenty of water, using a humidifier at night, and exfoliating the lips. She also suggests applying lip balm beyond the lips. "Oftentimes, it's the border of the lips that gets most chapped, so you don't want to ignore that area," Dr. Wu says. "It may not be the cleanest look, but a dab just outside the natural line of your lips will work wonders."
Have you tried these tips for more hydrated lips? Let us know in the comments below!
Of course, you'll need to dab on some balm every once and awhile, but choosing the wrong formula can be a huge downfall. Many lip-plumping or cooling products contain menthol (found in your favorite minty formulas) or camphor that can cause redness and irritation. Although only some people are sensitive to these ingredients, experts suggest using them with caution.
Alternatively, you should look for ingredients like shea butter, glycerin or natural oils. And while you want to keep your balm use moderate, you should always apply it at night as your lips naturally lose more moisture while you sleep, Dr. Cybele Fishman told Today.
Backed with these doctor-approved tips, you can say goodbye to excessive lip-licking and hello to a hydrated pout this season. Truth be told, there are few better feelings.
