There are some amazing tips and techniques out there on how to avoid dry lips or heal them in case they are severely dry. Since our topic has to do with foods, namely vitamins and minerals that specifically battle dry skin, here are a few related tips.
Drinking orange juice eating grapefruit, or indulging in any other citrus fruit for that matter, can dry your lips. The key to the citrus food conundrum is to not let the fruits touch your lips, so using straws or a fork when eating or drinking them is a step in the right direction.
Spicy foods do the same thing and dry your lips, and the same goes for salty treats. The only way around this is to avoid or reduce such foods if you want to have amazing, well-moisturized lips.
There are three major vitamins and one powerful mineral you need to look out for and add to your diet; go for either organic supplements or their actual food sources.
Zinc
Let us start with the minerals. Not only does it improve immune system-related functions, but zinc is also known to safeguard lips from harsh elements in the environment, which can result in chapping.
- Suppose your lips have chapped to the point of cracking. Zinc heals them.
- Aside from encouraging cellular growth, zinc also helps with lip hydration and keeps it moisturized from within.
- In addition to using lip balms that contain zinc, here are its food sources: peanuts, pork, oysters, almonds, baked beans, crab, cheddar cheese, beef, fruit yoghurt, dark meat chicken, chickpeas, dark meat turkey, and milk.
- Zinc oxide ointment is a good alternative or substitute for lip balms, at least until you get your hands on some quality balms for your lips.
Vitamins
The ones we are going to cover are Vitamins A, B-3, and B-12. These work perfectly against dry, chapped, and cracked lips.
Vitamin A
Safeguard your lips against pollutants, toxins, infections, and viruses that work to dry your lips. By supporting sebum production (from sebaceous glands; prevents lip dryness), including soft tissue and skin cell growth, your skin will look and feel soft and healthy. Food sources: mangoes, milk, fortified cereals, collard greens, broccoli, carrots, kale, eggs, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and squash.
Vitamin B-3
Also called Niacin, this vitamin helps with moisture retention in the lips. Any pain that comes from cracked and dry lips finds relief in this vitamin. It ideally moves oxygen, blood, and nutrients to your lips, aiding in their healing. Food sources: peanuts, light meat chicken, beef, coffee, enriched pasta, salmon, lentils, whole wheat bread, and lima beans.
Vitamin B-12
Also called Cobalamin, this vitamin helps battle dryness, cracking, and cell damage in the lips. Your lips can fail to heal properly if you get anaemic, and this vitamin lowers the risk of anaemia. It also heals and moisturizes the lips. Food sources: salmon, clams, roasted chicken, beef, skimmed milk, Brie cheese, roasted turkey, and eggs.
Depletion of moisture in lips results in dryness and a slew of other problems that lead to cracking, flaking, even bleeding, and inflammation. This can make even the simplest things in life hard: smiling, eating, talking, and bathing. Exposure to wind, prolonged time spent under the sun, and cigarette smoke are other causes of dry skin.
Do not ever lick your lips. Saliva’s chemical composition in no way moisturizes lips; in this case, wet does not mean moisturizing. It ends up drying it even further. There are several outstanding natural, herbal (Ayurvedic), and fruit-based lip balms. Search for quality and look in their ingredient list for the minerals and three vitamins detailed above.
Begin your search here.
Frequently asked question
What causes dry lips?
Dry lips can result from various factors, including cold weather, dehydration, excessive licking, or even exposure to harsh chemicals.
What's the best way to cure dry lips overnight?
Apply a thick layer of a hydrating lip balm or petroleum jelly before bedtime to lock in moisture.
Can I exfoliate dry lips to help them heal?
Gently exfoliating your lips with a soft toothbrush or a lip scrub can remove dead skin cells and promote smoother, healthier lips.
Is it okay to use home remedies for dry lips?
Natural remedies like honey and aloe vera can be effective for dry lips. They have moisturizing and healing properties.
Should I drink more water to cure dry lips?
Drinking enough water can help maintain moisture levels in your body, including your lips to keep them from drying.
Should I consult a doctor about my dry lips?
If your dry lips are severe, painful, have sores, or have other unusual symptoms, it is a good idea to consult a doctor.
A dry lip can be quite off-putting to many and might even be a bit painful for some. Keep your lips pink and supple with natural ingredients and a healthy diet for those lovely smiles.