Cracking of the lips is a very common and painful condition which is aggravated by cold weather, dryness, or lip licking. Therefore, it is very important to look for a good remedy for soft and healthy lips. Aloe vera, which is known to have a healing effect on the skin, has been recommended for use in the treatment of chapped lips among other skin ailments. This article aims at answering the question, does aloe vera really work for chapped lips and also looks at its uses in lip care. Thus, knowing both the benefits of aloe vera and how to apply it properly will allow you to get rid of dry and uncomfortable lips and achieve soft and moist skin on your lips.
Understanding Chapped Lips
Cracked lips, which is a rather widespread and quite uncomfortable problem, is accompanied by dryness, rashes, and peeling of the lip area. Symptoms of chapped lips are due to the effects of cold and dry climate, wind and sunburn. Other causes comprise of lack of water intake, lip smacking and use of some drugs. It is therefore important to identify these symptoms and their causes so as to be in a position to treat and prevent them. Lip care such as moisturizing and protecting the lips is important in preventing the worsening of the lips.
Benefits of Aloe Vera for Lip Care
Lip benefits of Aloe Vera include the following; therefore, the plant is an ideal solution for chapped lips. It has moisturizing effects that make the lips soft and smooth and its healing ability assists in the healing of the skin. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in decreasing pain, thus relieving the discomfort caused by various ailments. Also, it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which help to prevent infections and any further irritation of the lips. The use of aloe vera in the lips leads to healthy lips that are not only moist but also prevents the problems that are related to chapping of the lips.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Chapped Lips
Applying Fresh Aloe Vera Gel
Massaging the lips with the freshly extracted aloe vera gel from the plant is one of the most natural ways of treating chapped lips. To use fresh aloe vera, it is recommended that you use a small piece of aloe vera and extract the clear gel from it. Rub this gel into your lips and spread a small amount of it evenly on your lips to enhance absorption. Let the gel to remain on your lips for about 15-20 minutes and then wash it off or leave it on overnight for better results. Applying fresh aloe vera gel can be done on a daily basis, especially before going to sleep so that there is a constant supply of moisture and healing. The natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals found in the product help to calm inflammation, and heal chapped or dry lips.
Aloe Vera-Infused Lip Balms
Lip balms containing aloe vera are therefore an easy to use and efficient way to apply aloe vera to the lips. These readymade products include aloe vera which has moisturizing and healing effects with other ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter and essential oils in a single solution to chapped lips. When selecting a lip balm that has aloe vera, it is advisable to go for those products that have natural ingredients and not those that contain artificial fragrance or any chemicals. Some of the best and renowned brands include Burts Bees, Vaseline, EOS, and many more with products containing aloe vera. When you apply these lip balms frequently and especially before exposure to the challenging weather, then your lips will always be protected, moisturized, and soft hence no more cracking or dryness.
DIY Aloe Vera Lip Treatments
Making your own aloe vera lip treatments at home lets you be particular with the kind of lip treatment that you need and at the same time, allows you to avoid the chemicals that most commercial lip treatments contain. Basic recipes are using aloe Vera gel mixed with honey since it has antibacterial properties and is moisturizing; or aloe Vera gel mixed with coconut oil to nourish the skin. To prepare a simple remedy, mix a spoon of the fresh aloe vera gel with a spoon of honey or coconut oil and apply the mixture to your lips. It is advisable to leave it on the hair for about 15-20 minutes then wash it off. Extra convenience, one can also include a few drops of essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil. Any remaining mixture should be put in a small bowl and kept in the refrigerator for use later. These described DIY treatments should be applied on the lips frequently in order to achieve the goals of healing chapped lips and improving general lip health.
Aloe Vera Lip Masks and Scrubs
Aloe vera lip masks and scrubs are used to give chapped lips an intensive treatment since they help in the process of exfoliation and hydration. I love making an aloe vera lip mask; you just have to blend aloe vera gel with vitamin E oil and apply it generously on your lips. It is recommended that the mask should be left on the face for 20 minutes before washing off, though it can be left on overnight for even better results. To get an exfoliating scrub, mix aloe vera gel with sugar and a little honey. Apply the paste on the lips in circular motions for about a minute or two to help peel off the dead skin on the lips. After washing off with warm water, apply a lip balm to the lips. For this reason, using aloe vera masks and scrubs frequently can go a long way in ensuring the lips are soft, smooth, and of equal color without cracking.
Precautions and Potential Side Effects
Despite the fact that aloe vera is considered as safe for the majority of the population, one should still pay attention to possible precaution measures and side effects. For some people, they may develop reactions such as redness, itching, or swelling when applying aloe vera on the lips. For this reason, it is recommended to conduct a patch test especially if you are using the product on your face. The aloe vera gel should be new, preferably from the plant, or the commercial product should not contain any chemicals that may lead to inflammation. Also, for the products to be effective, they should be stored properly; place the other products in a cool dry place and fresh gel should be refrigerated. Any side effects or if your lips are not healing, seek the help of a dermatologist for other remedies.
Conclusion
Aloe vera is useful for treating chapped lips as it has functions of moisturizing, healing, and protection. Introducing new aloe vera gel, lip balms enriched with aloe, homemade remedies, and lip masks and peels will help to get rid of the rough surface of the lips and make them more even in color. There are always side effects to every product and therefore they should be taken into consideration and the products should also be stored properly. Daily application of aloe vera will ensure that you have soft and moist lips all through the year.
