Amongst the several inconveniences that winter brings chapped lips is one of the nastiest. The top layer of our skin gets dried by the cold air causing our lips to crack and peel. Long lasting lip colors and whitening toothpastes also cause dryness and old school salves do not cut it.

The first step to soft lips has not much to do with moisture. No lip care product will absorb properly in the skin without proper exfoliation. This calls for buffing lips with some gentle scrubbing. Once the dead skin is sloughed off, you can apply moisturizers packed with natural oils and ceramides which soften lips. These powerful lip care ingredients provide hydration and naturally exfoliate skin.

Here are a few organic lip care remedies that we have listed down for you to get rid of dry lips:

Smear on some Honey

Honey is a natural humectant which means that it draws in moisture from the surrounding air to your lips. It is well known for its healing effect and aids in relieving cracks and peeling caused by chapped lips. More so, the antibacterial powers of honey prevent your lips from getting infected from the cracks. You can use honey as a natural exfoliator to slough off dead skin from your lips.

How to use:

You can apply some honey with a clean finger all over your lips. Let it sit for some time, say 2o minutes. Then slowly rub it on your lips before washing. Since honey is available in everyone’s house, it can be applied daily before going to bed.

Coconut oil-the magic balm

Being an emollient, coconut oil locks in moisture in the lips and prevents them from drying out. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties which helps it relieve pain and discomfort caused by cracked lips. This also aids in protecting lips against any harmful bacteria which may cause infection.

How to use:

Coconut oil can be simply combined with sugar to act as an exfoliator. Mix one tablespoon of coconut oil and one tsp of sugar to form a scrub. Rub it gently on your lips to eradicate dead cells. Try incorporating this in your lip care routine at least thrice a week for visible results.

Lemon and glycerine

This mask is best suited for dry lips. The glycerine has natural moisturizing properties and the lemon is a natural bleaching agent.

How to use:

Mix together one teaspoon lemon juice with one teaspoon glycerine. Apply it on your lips before going to bed, like a lip balm. You can make some and store in an airtight container, to apply daily before going to sleep.

Pomegranate seed mask

The pomegranate seeds can help in promoting hydration in your lips as well as reduce any signs of pigmentation. Punicalagins compound in pomegranate increases the moisture level in your lips and inhibits the formation of melanin responsible for dark lips.

How to use:

All you need to do is crush the pomegranate seeds and mix well with milk. You will get a thick paste. Apply this on your lips and leave it on for some time until it dries out. Rinse off your lips with warm water. Try to incorporate this in your lip care routine for best results.

Avocado butter

Avocado butter is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acids. It is non-greasy and penetrates deep in the skin layers. These properties make it a suitable ingredient in lip care products.

How to use:

Avocado butter is available in stores but you can also prepare your own. Just put some avocados in a blender and apply on chapped lips with a cotton bud.

Let Aloe vera work its magic

Aloe vera is a magical ingredient with skincare benefits. Nevertheless, its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties make it great for treating chapped lips. The minerals, antioxidants and enzymes in aloe vera also have an exfoliating impact.

How to use:

If you have an aloe vera plant in your garden, simply cut open a leaf of aloe vera and extract its gel. Make sure the gel is clear and not yellow. Apply some on your lips and wash off after some time. In case you do not have aloe vera at home, just buy organic aloe vera from the store.

A drop of Almond oil

Almond oil contains vitamin E and C which when combined together work as antioxidants on the lips to get rid of dry, peeling lips.

How to use:

Dab some almond oil on your lips using a cotton ball. Leave it overnight. Try applying it regularly in your lip care routine for effective results.

Scrub with some sugar

Sugar can act as a natural scrubber on your lips. You can use sugar as an alternative for other lip scrubs. Being a natural humectant, it keeps the lips soft and hydrated.

How to use:

You can either apply sugar directly on your lips or mix it with some jojoba oil, scrub it on your lips in gentle circular motions and rinse it off with water. You can repeat this in your lip care daily for best results.

Dry lips are a concern among many. They not only disrupt your lipstick application but also reduce your confidence. But do not worry..Just follow these simple remedies and get smooth, supple lips!