Dehydration during humid or excessively dry weather not only affects skin and hair but also our lips, which tend to get chapped and damaged in ways that a lip balm can hardly cure. In fact, lips are the most apparent indicators of hydration levels in the body. Discoloured, white lips denote lowered water levels and overall fatigue that no amount of moisturiser can reduce.
Drinking heaps of water during humid climes is most important for good health. But there are other foods rich in protein and vitamins that can be included in the daily diet or as lip scrubs and masks for curing dry and chapped lips. Read on below to know more about foods that can act as natural home remedies for preventing dry lips:
Almonds And Almond Oil
Almonds are rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, fibre and Omega-3 fatty acids which act as good sources of natural moisturiser. Gently applying almond oil to the lips can help moisturise them and prevent dryness. Almonds should however be eaten in moderate proportions because they also contain phytic acid that slows down the absorption of certain minerals in the body.
Honey
Honey is known for having anti-inflammatory properties that help in healing and nurturing the body. It can protect cracked lips from infection and act as a natural exfoliator that can remove dry, dead skin from the lips. Dabbing lips with organic honey or having a bit of raw honey in the morning can help to ward off dryness and prevent lips from appearing lifeless.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera can be extracted fresh from the plant's leaf directly or bought as a gel. It has cooling properties that have a soothing effect making it a good remedy for curing chapped lips. To extract gooey Aloe Vera from the plant, slice a leaf open and scoop out the gel. Use only once or twice a day since Aloe Vera also has exfoliating properties and can peel off a tender layer of skin growing on the lips.
Milk
Milk is rich in fat and protein, two elements that are extremely critical for good health and nourishment. It contains moisturising properties that help to soften lips and heal their cracked skin. While having a glass of milk is a healthy choice, mixing milk in turmeric and honey and applying this paste onto lips as a mask is a handy hack for reducing dryness.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an anti-inflammatory with multiple health benefits. It is rich in essential fatty acids which help to keep lips full and supple. Applying coconut oil to dry lips or making it part of the daily diet are both easily possible. Good quality cold-pressed coconut oil can be used to cook food for extracting its many nutritious properties.