Unlike the rest of your face, your lips have no protective barrier and are especially prone to dehydration. There is almost nothing as miserable (or as unattractive) as cracked, peeling lips. Keep your kisser mistletoe-worthy all winter with good habits. First of all, stop licking your lips. It may feel good temporarily, but this tendency will only dry your lips out faster. Keep a tube of lip balm with you at all times instead. No matter how tempting it may be, don’t chew, nibble, or peel at the tender skin of your lips if they do dare to flake. Instead, dap some petroleum jelly on a washcloth and gently rub the dead skin from your lips or use a soft toothbrush in a circular motion to dislodge loose flakes.
Avoid long-wearing lip colors, which have a tendency to dry out skin, and choose a moist gloss instead. If lipstick is a must-have, wear lip balm as a protective barrier underneath.
Chug a Lug
Moisture comes from the inside out, especially in winter. Be sure to drink at least 64 ounces of water every day to keep skin healthy and supple.
Winter skin woes don’t have to keep you house bound this season, no matter where you live. Be proactive about caring for your skin, head to toe, with simple changes to your lifestyle and products specifically designed to moisturize dry skin. The effort you put into caring for your skin will save you time and discomfort later.