Winter brings in the cold air that dries your skin. The worst affected parts are your lips as they lack oil glands to acts as a self moisturizer. The crack and when not attended to they even bleed. Chapped or dry lips are extremely painful. There are fortunately a few remedies that will help you to retain the moisture in your lips and make them soft and healthy once more.

First thing you need to do is stop licking your lips. The saliva helps to give you temporary relief but after it dries up it sucks away all the moisture and causes further damage to your lips.

Steam your face so that your lips benefit as well. Then gently exfoliate your lips with a mild exfoliating cream or a small soft toothbrush. This will help to get rid of the dead skin. In this way you will help to heal your lips quicker. Do not bite off the old skin as it may tear your skin and cause profuse bleeding.

Use a moisturizer on your lips. Lips balms work but most companies focus more on the flavor than on the moisturizing effect. A better option is almonds oil. The oil helps to make your lips softer and gives you a better pucker as well. Cocoa butter is also a good option.

Drink plenty of water to keep your body and skin well hydrated. The water will help to flush out toxins, hydrate your skin and make it healthier looking.

Be careful with the products that you use on your lips, certain lipsticks and gels can be extremely drying and cause your lips to get chapped. Always test the product for a day before continuing. If you notice your lips drying, discoloration or cracking then discontinue using the product.

Eat foods that are rich in Vitamin B complex and Zinc to prevent your lips from getting chapped.