If You Have Dry, Chapped Lips, This Is How to Heal Them

Avoid highly acidic foods and spices.

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Avoiding Highly Acidic Foods and Spices for Healthy Lips Maintaining the health of your lips is essential, and one factor that can significantly impact their condition is your diet. Consuming highly acidic foods and spicy dishes can disrupt the natural barrier that protects your lips from damage. These types of foods can irritate the sensitive skin on your lips, making them more susceptible to chapping and discomfort.

Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar, can "open" up the protective barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and potential harm. Similarly, spicy foods can cause irritation and inflammation, resulting in chapped, itchy lips. By being mindful of your dietary choices and reducing your intake of these irritants, you can help preserve the integrity of your lips’ protective layer.

Instead, consider incorporating milder, hydrating foods into your diet. Foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocados and nuts, as well as hydrating fruits like watermelon and cucumbers, can contribute to overall lip health.

Use sunscreen.

Protect Your Lips with Sunscreen Just like the skin on your face and body, your lips are vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun's rays. The delicate skin of your lips can easily become damaged by UV radiation, leading to dryness, sunburn, and even long-term issues such as premature aging or an increased risk of skin cancer. To safeguard your lips, it is essential to use a sunscreen specifically formulated for lip care.

When choosing a lip sunscreen, look for a product with a minimum SPF of 15. This level of protection helps shield your lips from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Many lip balms and treatments now come with added sun protection, making it easy to incorporate this important step into your daily routine.

In addition to using sunscreen, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat or seeking shade during peak sun hours to further protect your lips and skin. Reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially after eating or drinking, is also crucial for maintaining effective protection.