Dry Lips Chapped Lips

Lips Savvy

Susan M. Keenan ©2005

When you greet people, your smile is probably the first thing that catches their attention.

A smile, especially one that reaches the eyes, can be engaging enough to beckon someone's interest and winning enough to hold their attention.

Oftentimes, people place all the attention on beautiful, white teeth that shine out through your smile. While this is important, the health of your lips is also important.

If your lips are sore and cracked, a smile can be painful and therefore, less engaging.

When you talk, your lips move constantly and therefore dry, cracked lips can create a desire to remain silent.

An ounce of prevention (once or twice a day) is worth a pound of cure (all day long).

Preventative measures can be as simple as:

• Applying a small coat of Vaseline or lip balm when using a dry lipstick.
• Using a bit of lip balm to moisturize as you sleep.
• Using a lip balm before going out into harsh weather, especially one with a good SPF factor to protect them from the sun's rays.
• Drinking plenty of water to keep your lips hydrated and supple.
• Avoiding the use of lipsticks that can dry out your lips if they have become chapped.
• Resisting the urge to lick your lips (saliva does not moisturize).
• Resisting the urge to nibble at your lips.
• Using a toothbrush with soft bristles to remove flaky skin from your lips.

Remember that pain is unnecessary, lips that hurt can and should be avoided, and there are many products available to help us.

Also see: Moisturizing Creams For Skin Types