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What can I do about my dry lips?

(80 Posts)
MaryTheBookeeper Tue 06-Oct-20 20:41:58

My lips are constantly dry & cracked. The skin comes off, then they're super-tight, they burn, they split again & on & on. What can I do to break this cycle? I don't use lipstick or any makeup. Vaseline is no good. I used to use Lypsil but I'm trying to give it up. I'm sure your lips aren't meant to be this dry if they're healthy. What can I do?

missdeke Thu 08-Oct-20 10:15:29

Lack of some of the B vitamins can cause cracked lips.

HannahLoisLuke Thu 08-Oct-20 10:13:46

I used to have the same problem especially in winter. After trying many lip balms I've found the one made by Active Silver is the best, it has a gentle exfoliating action as well as moisturising. Only downside is that it comes in a pot instead of a stick so a bit bulky for the pocket.
I also use their eye drops and throat spray, marvellous.

Craftycat Thu 08-Oct-20 10:13:34

Blistex or Carmex- I keep it in handbag as well as on dressing table as I use it a lot. Works a treat.

Mollygo Thu 08-Oct-20 10:11:56

Vaseline works for me too. I carry a little pot of Pink Bubbly in my bag.

NotANana Thu 08-Oct-20 10:10:01

I find Blistex (in a little blue pot) works when my lips are cracked.
Also Lanolips, but don’t buy Lanolips, go to the mother and baby aisle and look for Lansinoh nipple balm. Same stuff, bigger tube, lasts ages.
For maintenance, I like Actuve Silver lip balm, and also one called eos in a turquoise egg shaped applicator.
Whichever you use, they key is to use them regularly.

rowanflower0 Thu 08-Oct-20 10:08:43

Pure Aloe Vera is the best thong - available from Forever Loving products, based in Warwick in the UK,

PECS Thu 08-Oct-20 10:05:14

Have you tried checking your hydration? If not fill a litre bottle of water and sip it throughout the day so that by 5 or6 o'clocknin the evening it is all gone. Dry lips for me is a dign I am not drinking enough water. Tea& coffee with be drying.

Omaoma57 Thu 08-Oct-20 09:57:55

Coconut oil might be the way to go...natural and tasty!

Ngaio1 Wed 07-Oct-20 18:11:43

I'm with GrannyGravy. EA's 24 hour balm is wonderful. Can be used on eczema, sunburn, sore spots et al..

Esspee Wed 07-Oct-20 17:40:41

I use Carmex medicated lip balm. Keeps your lips very kissable. ?
Much better than non medicated lip balms.

Fennel Wed 07-Oct-20 16:36:30

I have the same problem, I use a Nivea lip salve.
I've heard that it's a side effect of some blood pressure tablets.

annodomini Wed 07-Oct-20 11:05:36

If it was for me, I'd avoid lanolin as my lips react badly to anything containing it. I was going to suggest manuka honey, but that would probably be unacceptably sticky. However, manuka honey lip balm is lovely - I got some in NZ years ago and I have found that it is available on Amazon.

biba70 Wed 07-Oct-20 10:46:53

FannyCornforth- was just going to write this. Same here. It is a known medical issue- and very difficult to get rid of.

I am trying to only use natural beeswax ones or vaseline- as so many have lots of chemicals in them.

Jayt Wed 07-Oct-20 10:45:25

I’d say drink lots of water to keep hydrated and if that doesn’t do the job a Vaseline lip salve.

Adamz Wed 07-Oct-20 10:43:15

I use lime and honey with sugar.... Is that okay enough?

mumofmadboys Wed 07-Oct-20 09:53:40

Simple lip salve 4 or 5 times a day would be my advice

FannyCornforth Wed 07-Oct-20 09:49:58

I find that blistex stings.

FannyCornforth Wed 07-Oct-20 09:49:10

You get addicted and dependant on it too.
I definitely am, and have been for thirty years!
I must apply lip balm or vaseline about twice an hour.
I have them every where in the house and in my pocket.
If I accidentally go out without one I have to nip in a shop and buy one.
I think that the Nivea ones are my favourite.

Shropshirelass Wed 07-Oct-20 09:28:09

Are you drinking enough water, if not this might be why your lips are dry. You have to hydrate from the inside first, creams only provide temporary relief.

Luckygirl Wed 07-Oct-20 09:24:02

Lanolips - basically pure lanolin. Works for me. Costs-a-load but lasts for years.

Kate54 Wed 07-Oct-20 09:17:49

Rosy Vaseline for a bit of colour as a bonus!

agnurse Wed 07-Oct-20 04:26:02

I like Blistex although I am not sure if you can get that in the UK. Their Lip Medex is very good.

Puzzler61 Tue 06-Oct-20 21:32:36

I agree. Burt’s Bees overnight intensive lip balm - about £6 - to get them softened,
then maintain with Burt’s Bees orange blossom & pistachio lip butter - about £5.
(The butter tastes delicious, you’ll be tempted to lick it, but resist)
?

Nanof3 Tue 06-Oct-20 21:26:55

I use lip salve with Aloe Vera, it comes in different flavours and colour tints, also Burts Bees is excellent too, apply as often as you like especially in cold or windy weather although I need to use it all year round.

Smileless2012 Tue 06-Oct-20 21:12:22

Plain old vaseline does it for me.