HELP...VERY dry lips!

[TLee4]

I'm hoping that someone can help me..I really do not want to go to a dermatologist! My lips are SO dry. I feel like I've tried everything...chapstick, the medicated kind, vaseline, tried leaving them alone for a few days in case something I was using was aggravating it. In doing a Google search, I've found equal responses saying "use Vaseline" or "NEVER use a petroleum-based product like vaseline". Ok, so what should I use or do? They are constantly dry, burning, peeling.

Thanks!
Terri

[GingerPow]

Hi Terri - both my son and I tend to get very dry, chapped lips this time of year. My hands also get very dry. I used to apply extra virgin olive oil to both my lips (Natural lip gloss!) ;) and the back of my hands throughout the day. It absorbs very well. Just last year I started using organic extra virgin coconut oil which worked out very well. The fatty acids help to heal the dry skin. Maybe one of these will help you too.

I notice you're in Illinois - I'm sure the heat is on and the air is dry. Try not to lick your lips too often (a natural but unhelpful response to chapped lips) as that draws out the moisture from the delicate skin of your lips.

[kwormann]

I have them all the time, all thru the year. I use chapstick numerous times a day - I keep on in my purse, office drawer, kitchen drawer and bed side drawer. I have always been this way and dont usually give it much thought (it is annoying! Esp when I forget to have some with me!)

[TLee4]

Thanks to both of you. I will try the olive oil.

Kim, I constantly am applying something too. But I'm at the point where if I wear lipstick, it ends up peeling off in a VERY unattractive manner, etc.

Terri

[funniegrrl]

Chapstick is awful stuff and can actually make the problem worse in the long run. Also anything that makes your lips (or skin) tingle is bad, not good.

I have bad lip dryness problems during the winter, and I've sworn by Lip Mender (http://www.h20plus.com/retail2002/productdetails.aspx?productid=100-00198-000) by H2O Plus for years. A little goes a long way. Very soothing, nothing that will set up a dependency. I apply at bedtime and that's all I need, but of course you could use during the day as well.

My favorite hand lotion is by H2O Plus, too: Spa Hand and Nail Cream (http://www.h20plus.com/retail2002/productdetails.aspx?productid=100-00378-000)

[cchhbb]

I swear by Palmer's cocoa butter. After a couple of days, my lips are back to new. I also take an old toothbrush and gently brush my lips to exfoliate them.

[LakeMartinGal]

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula hand cream is very effective, a well. A very little bit really helps! :)

[DanaSD]

I've always faught with very dry lips. I've never found chapstick or vaseline to help.

2 things worked great for me - Mary Kay satin lips (I think thats what it is called - its a gloss that comes in a pot) and Aveda lipstick. The lipstick is amazing and as long as I wear it every day I don't have dry lips. Its a very different consistancy than many other lipsticks and its made from all natural ingredients.

Also staying hydrated and protected with wind helps.

[bekki]

I have no idea if this is something you might already have, but it's pretty easy to come by and is AMAZING for dry anything, including lips: Lansinoh Lanolin balm. It's intended for breastfeeding moms so you can usually find it with the baby wash etc at a drug store, or at Babies R Us. It doesn't really taste like much but it works wonders for chapped lips. I promise!

[Libra20]

I find Shea butter works best. Look for Karite lip balm.

[MinEaston]

I'm partial to Carmex, myself.

My dad had horrible lip blisters from radiation this past fall, and the only thing that made them better was Carmex.

I've found it at drugstores and most recently at Target.

[TLee4]

Thanks everyone! I might even have some Lanisoh left at home..if not I'll definitely try one of these other things. These gross lips have got to go!

Terri