Cruel fate. Oh, oh why, does Valentine's Day fall in February, a cold, harsh month for your lips? I turned to dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Baxt, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University who practices in both Manhattan and New Jersey, to find out what to do before Valentine's Day if your smackers are chapped right now.
Her advice:
__1) Stop the licking already! __"The saliva just breaks down the skin and makes it worse."
__2) Moisture-up. __Use petroleum jelly or Aquaphor multiple times a day on the lips. This will help put moisture back in while protecting your sore smackers at the same time.
3) Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, and moisten the air in your home with a humidifier.
4) Exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub, a washcloth, or by softly brushing them with a toothbrush. "This will expose the fresh skin and help your lips start to heal," explains Dr. Braxt. Just make sure to be gentle
__5) Say no to the shaker. __Refrain from eating salty foods, which increase the urge to lick your lips.
__6) Consider your diet. __"Certain vitamins are critical to maintaining healthy skin and lips. These include Vitamins A, B, C, B2 (Riboflavin deficiency) and E." So if you're not sure you're eating a balanced diet, it might be time to think about supplements.
