What are some effective ways to help with chapped lips? I heard some lip balms can make it worse, is that true?

Yes, lip balms can make it worse -- they tend to promote even more touching and licking of the lip surface, which dries them out. Additionally, when the thin film of moisture from lip balm evaporates, it can dehydrate your lips even more.

In short, lip balms are a temporary fix that can help alleviate the discomfort, but ultimately makes it worse over time -- a great strategy for selling more lip balm!

Chapped lips? Drink water!

Still chapped lips? Check in on omega-3s and other skin-focused nutrients to make sure nothing's missing.

If none of the above help, it's possible the body is trying to express something deeper going on -- if the outside of the digestive system is upset, something might be upset on the inside as well!

Water is the primary hydrating force for our bodies. As an aromatherapist, I have instructed clients to create a 4:1 ratio of coconut or sunflower oil to wax. Melt it in a pan and pour it into a jar. Add a smidge of Vitamin E to preserve. You can add a drop or two of carrot oil that softens and repairs the layers of skin.
NOTE: Avoid using petroleum or lanolin as these are not penetrating products.
A healthy diet rich in greens, seeds/nuts, and fruit is always a foundation for overall good health.

Take care and be well.

Keep lips moistened and slough off dead skin daily. I use my own products--Dr. Sheri's Lip Therapy. It compares to a commercial brand of lip products. I make a shea butter sugar scrub with shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, organic sugar and essential oils like frankincense and copiaba. The lip balm is made with shea butter, fractionated coconut oil (does not harden) and essential oils like peppermint, lavender or lemon. Message me for the recipe or to purchase product.

My first line of defense against chapped lips is to make sure I'm consuming enough healthy fats, especially omega 3 fatty acids. Then making sure I drink enough water. I've found burt's bee's the be the best chapstick for helping with chapped lips.

It's best to avoid petroleum-based lip balms and also ingredients that can be irritating (and toxic!), like synthetic fragrances, chemicals, preservatives, petrochemicals, phthalates, and synthetic colors.
Natural and simple ingredients are always more nourishing!

Some effective ways to help chapped lips include:
1. Applying organic topical oils such as jojoba, coconut, avocado, vitamin e, or shea butter several times a day and definitely before bed.
2. Consuming more healthy fats (especially omega 3 fatty acids) like flax oil, clary sage oil, and foods such as flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, almonds and avocados. If you're not a vegetarian or vegan then a high quality fish oil and cold water fish such as wild salmon are great sources of healthy omega 3s.
3. Drinking lots of filtered water-- you know you're sufficiently hydrated when your urine is a pale, straw color.
4. Using a humidifier, especially at night while sleeping.

Hope that's helpful!