Whether it’s due to severe weather or dehydration, cracked and chapped lips can be extremely uncomfortable.
Hayley Walker, beauty expert at Justmylook, commented: “As the darker nights start creeping in and the temperature begins to drop, I’m reminded that chapped lip season is upon us.”
“Chapped lips are a common but uncomfortable problem that can leave your lips dry, flaky and even cracked. With a combination of prevention and the right treatment, you can keep your lips smooth, hydrated and healthy.”
This includes cost-effective options which don’t require leaving the house.
How to prevent and soothe chapped lips on a budget
1. Gentle exfoliation
A gentle scrub which can effectively nourish and restore the lips.
“Exfoliating your lips removes dead skin and helps moisturising products absorb better,” Hayley advised. “Use a gentle scrub like Essence’s lip care sugar scrub once or twice a week, but avoid exfoliating if your lips are cracked or bleeding.”
2. Hydrating lip mask
The beauty guru explained: “A rich, hydrating lip mask applied overnight works wonders for restoring moisture and softness. It’s a simple yet effective way to repair your lips while you sleep.”
3. Moisturising lip balms
With a plethora of lip balms on the market, it can be challenging to know which ones will actually work.
Hayley stated the right lip balm is “key” for both preventing and treating chapped lips. It’s crucial to look for ingredients such as petroleum jelly, beeswax, lanolin and shea butter.
These components are touted to form a shield that seals in hydration. The specialist endorsed Vaseline as a “classic, budget-friendly option”. A small pot of Vaseline costs just over £1 at Boots.
4. Cucumber therapy
Cucumbers are celebrated for their innate ability to hydrate, making them perfect for calming dry and irritated lips.
The beauty guru remarked: “Place cool cucumber slices on your lips for 10 to 15 minutes for instant relief and moisture restoration.”
5. Aloe vera gel
Hayley added: “Known for its soothing and healing effects, aloe vera is excellent for cracked lips. Apply fresh aloe gel to your lips, let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse off for softer, hydrated lips.”