If your lips are red, cracked and irritated, they may be chapped. Chapped lips are not a serious medical condition, nor are they usually the sign of any underlying disorder, says Mayo Clinic dermatologist Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D. In most cases, you can soothe and moisturize chapped lips using home remedies.
Humidifier
Chapped lips occur when the skin cells become depleted of moisture, says Dr. Gibson. To help replenish the moisture to your lips, run a humidifier overnight. A humidifier releases water vapor into the air, which is absorbed into the skin. A humidifier may spread mold and bacteria if it isn’t cleaned properly. Clean the humidifier at least three times a week. If you don’t have a humidifier, run hot water in the shower or bath and sit in the bathtub with the door closed for 10 to 15 minutes before bed.
Beeswax Lip Balm
To help protect lips from the elements and lock in moisture, apply a generous coating of a lip balm that contains beeswax, recommends Rodney Basler, M.D., of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. Beeswax lip balm may be as effective as prescription medications for chapped lips, says Dr. Basler. If you can’t find a lip balm that contains beeswax, petrolatum may also be effective. Reapply as necessary throughout the day to help moisturize lips.
Rub Your Nose
If you’re stuck on a camping trip or vacation without a humidifier or beeswax lip balm, dermatologist Joseph Bark, M.D., recommends rubbing your finger against the side of your nose, then rubbing your finger on your chapped lips. Your nose contains natural oils that will help moisturize your lips and protect them from further damage. Although this is not a long-term solution, it may help moisturize your lips in a pinch.
