Winter Lip Care 101: 7 Tips & Products to Prevent Chapped Lips

Winter has its perks, including pampering yourself on snowy days and enjoying all sorts of holiday treats, but the effect winter weather has on your lips is definitely not one of them. Once the temperature drops, it's almost like a one-way ticket for chapped lips. However, it is still possible to prevent chapped lips if you know the right tips and products to use. And you're in luck, we share all the basics of winter lip care right here.

Tip #1: Scrub Then Apply

If your lips are already dry but not quite chapped yet, this could be a sign that worse things are ahead of you. In this case, you may need to exfoliate your lips. In the same way that using a facial scrub can be essential to remove dead skin cells and make it smooth, the same goes for your lips. You can use a facial scrub like L'Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Face Scrub on your lips, not just your face. After you gently brush your lips, you need to moisturize them. After a scrub session, apply a thick layer of Vichy Aqualia Thermal Soothing Lip Balm.

Tip #2: Use a Humidifier

Lip care may require more than cosmetics. When the air around you is too dry, it can lead to chapped lips. If you think the air in your home or office might be lacking in moisture—a common problem in winter—consider this simple solution: Buy a humidifier. These small devices can return moisture to the air, which will help your skin and your lips retain moisture. Keep one next to your bed or table to keep your lips moisturized.

Lip Tip #3: Don't Forget Your SPF

Regardless of the season, you need to apply (and reapply) sunscreen regularly—and the same goes for your lips. During the daytime, whether the sun is shining or not, be sure to wear a lip balm with an SPF of at least 15. Kiehl's Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 25 fits the bill. Formulated with coconut and lemon oils, it provides soothing hydration and sun protection. In addition, it is available in shades that leave a tint of color, as well as in an undyed version.

Tip #4: Try tinted balms

Speaking of tinted lip balms, you should try them too. As you may have noticed, some lipstick formulas can be very drying to the skin. If you want to avoid this without giving up on beautiful lip color, opt for a tinted lip balm. Maybelline Baby Lips Glow Balm is the perfect balm for the job. This makes lip color selection as easy as possible, adapting to your personal lip chemistry to bring out the color that's right for you. And, of course, long-term hydration also does not hurt.

Tip #5: Stop Licking Your Lips

Are you licking your lips? If you answered yes, it's time to get rid of this bad habit as soon as possible. You may get the impression that you are quickly moisturizing your lips, but this is far from the case. According to the Mayo Clinic, saliva evaporates quickly, which means your lips are even drier than before you licked them. To try and curb your lip-licking habit, avoid scented lip balms—they might tempt you to give it a try.

Tip #6: Apply a lip mask

We're sure you're familiar with face masks, but they're not the only disguise option. Nowadays, there are masks made for almost every piece of skin on your body, from your hands to your feet and even your lips. Whether your lips are in need of extra intense hydration or you're just looking for a new way to pamper your skin, try a lip mask. Leave it on while you lift your legs and when you're done your lips should be soft and smooth.

Tip #7: Dress for the weather

The feel of the winter wind lashing your exposed face and neck should be enough to convince you to wear a scarf, but your choice of accessories can also save your skin. The Mayo Clinic recommends using a scarf to cover your lips from winter weather.