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Not all lip balms are created equal. When selecting a product to apply to your lips, make sure you choose a product with the proper ingredients to heal your lips. Look for ingredients like cocoa butter, Vitamins A and E, petrolatum, and dimethicone. Products without these ingredients might not do much to heal lips and could even make symptoms worse. Balms that include alpha-hydroxy acid can soothe and exfoliate chapped lips. This is an especially good ingredient to look for if you want something you can apply as a rub. Apply by gently adding the products to the lips, brushing the lips with a toothbrush to remove flakes, and then wiping off the balm. Petroleum and beeswax are also good ingredients to look for when seeking out lip balm. Responses to such products tend to vary from person-to-person, however, so you might have to try a few different products before you find one that works for you. Any lip balm you choose should always be re-applied before you head out into harsh weather. Sunscreen can help protect lips that are already dried and cracked from further damage outside. Look for a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher for optimal protection. You should be able to find such a product in most drugstores and supermarkets. Always apply a lip balm as protection underneath sunscreen. Apply sunscreen that has broad spectrum cover for UVA and UVB that is water resistant. If you're looking for a more natural route, there are a variety of home remedies you can try that may improve your cracked, dry lips. Natural oils, like coconut oil and mustard oil, can moisturize dry lips. Natural oils tend to work best when cracked lips are the result of poor weather conditions. Cucumbers can cool and soothe lips. Simply eating cucumber, and applying the juices to the lips, can help. Aloe vera, which can be purchased in cream or gel form from most drug stores, is a great option for cracked lips. You can also purchase an aloe vera plant and apply the juice from the leaves to your lips. Be aware that the taste of aloe vera is sometimes unpleasant. Make sure not to get any in your mouth while applying it to your lips. Milk cream softens skin throughout the body, including the lips. Apply cream to the lips and leave on for 10 minutes. Rub the cream away from the lips with a cotton ball dipped in lukewarm water. Repeat as needed until lips heal. If your cracked lips are severe and do not improve with over-the-counter treatments, you might need to see a doctor about prescription medication. If your lips become inflamed and feel sore, talk to your doctor. Inflammation is usually benign and the result of mild irritation, but it can also be a sign of a bacterial infection. Antifungal and antibiotic creams, such as hydrocortisone creams, can be used to treat cracked lips in the event of an infection. Your doctor will prescribe you a cream if she thinks it is necessary. Always ask a doctor about potential side effects and proper use before starting a new medication. Steroid creams are not designed for long-term use, as this can cause thinning of the skin, discoloration, and other adverse side effects. Only apply in the recommended doses and only for as long as your doctor advises.
Choose the right lip balm. Try sunscreen. Try home remedies. Ask your doctor about an antibiotic or antifungal cream.