Most people get chapped lips from time to time – like mine, RIGHT NOW. Dry, cracked or sore lips can interfere with my many daily activities, such as smiling, kissing, eating, blogging and talking.

According to the Mayo Clinic, lips may become chapped for a variety of reasons, including:

• Exposure to wind, sun, and cold, dry air
• Obstructed breathing
• Irritants or allergens in cosmetics or skin-care products
• Certain medications, such as those used to treat acne
• A habit of frequently licking your lips
• Dehydration
• Too much kissing (I added that one)

To treat or prevent chapped lips, consider these tips:

• Use an oil-based lubricating cream or lip balm containing beeswax.
• Apply lip balm before going out in cold, dry weather and don’t be afraid to reapply.
• Choose a lip cream or balm that contains sunscreen
• Avoid licking your lips. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips drier than before you licked them – gross.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Dehydration can contribute to chapped lips.
• Use a humidifier at home to keep air moist.

Hopefully, my lip de-chap before this weekend, until then, I’ll just keep them clean and moisturized.

Tips:

• If chapping is severe and self-care measures don’t seem to help, consult your doctor. Rarely, persistent chapped lips may indicate an underlying problem, such as dermatitis.