People get chapped lips from time to time and the changing season is one of the major factors why this lip condition occurs. During summer, they are sunburned, and when the ber-months start and the cold breeze comes in, the lips get wind burned. 

However, apart from seasons, there are several other reasons why people experience chapped lips. The good news is that there's a lot you can do to prevent this from occurring. Here are some of them:

1. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is one of the major reasons for chapped or cracked lips. When the body is dehydrated, it obtains water from certain parts to make sure that all the other cells are hydrated. This causes the skin to become dry as well as the lips. Therefore, always remember to drink a minimum of eight glasses of water to keep your skin away from excessive dryness. 

2. Stop Licking Your Lips

Most people have that habit of licking their lips. Surprisingly, this can also create a vicious cycle of eternally chapped lips. While saliva can moisten the lips, things get worse as soon as it dries. This is according to a study published by the University of Southern California's School of Medicine. They found that human saliva contains digestive enzymes that may leave the lips more vulnerable to dry air, and may eventually cause them to crack open and bleed.

3. Exfoliate Gently

The skin on the lips is super thin and sensitive that it gets easily damaged. Another lip care tip you should try is to exfoliate. Exfoliating has a good effect on your lips as it eliminates dry and dead skin cells that may cause your lips to become chapped. You may consider combining either salt or sugar with coconut oil or honey to exfoliate your lips. You will immediately notice good results once your lips have been properly exfoliated.

4. Skip Flavored Lip Balms

Most people always have a tube of lip balm with them. Some put it on like a habit, not really intending to keep their lips moisturized. However, not all lip balms are good for your lips. Some ingredients in lip balms may do more damage than good. In fact, according to Diane Madfes, MD, one of the dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, lip balm flavors (also known as cinnamon-based additives) can irritate dry and sore lips. 

The dermatologist also mentioned that lip balms containing wax, camphor, phenol, menthol, and alcohol are also potentially damaging to the lips. So the next time you purchase a lip balm, check its ingredients first — in general, it's better to go for simple, petroleum-based jelly products.

5. Go For Natural Lip Remedies

Treating dry and cracked lips can also be done using some common ingredients that you can actually find in your kitchen. You may consider using aloe vera, cucumber, coconut oil, honey, or green tea as your natural lip remedies to soothe and moisturize chapped lips. Experiment with these ingredients and apply one directly to the lips. All these organic options contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant properties that would help repair and rehydrate damaged skin on the lips.

Taking care of your lips is not as hard as you think. To keep it looking healthy and moisturized, it's also best to steer clear of allergens that may irritate your sensitive lips. Pay attention to the lip cosmetic products that you are using, and protect your mouth when you head out in extreme temperatures.