By: Natasha Archary
Winter takes its toll on your skin and hair, causing skin to become dry and flaky and hair to lose lustre, looking brittle.
The same can be said for heels, elbows and lips, with cracks making an appearance, calling for a more rigorous routine.
When Sizwe Dhlomo first moved to Johannesburg from KwaZulu-Natal, he learnt very quickly that he needed to invest in lip care.
The drier Gauteng environment meant the personality had to deal with chapped lips and even nose bleeds.
Swearing by lip balm with a subtle, fresh minty undertone, the Drive presenter wanted to know if there were any other tips to keep one’s lips from chapping.
Lucky for Sizwe, Kaya Drive listeners came to the rescue sharing many preventative measures to keep lips soft, moisturised and highly kissable.
Why do my lips gets dry?
A change of season is most likely why your lips get dry, chapped and can even bleed with severe cracking. Cold sores are also more prone to occur during winter, as you recover from a high fever or dehydration.
Coming from a cold exterior environment, to a heated room or office can also lead to lips feeling dry and tight.
So, it’s really important to take care of your lips and protect them from the elements.
Investing in a good lip balm is the first thing you can do. With a range of herbal balms, oils and lip moisturisers to choose from, it’s important to pick a lip protecting balm that suits you.
The skin on your lips is 10 times more sensitive and thinner than any other part of your face. Because of this the lips dry out faster, becoming dry and chapped.
Tips to prevent your lips from chapping
- Pick the right lip balm
You want to choose a lip balm that is going to offer you protection and prevent your lips from cracking and bleeding. Something with essential oils with contains either petroleum jelly or glycerin is good.
- Avoid sucking, biting, licking or picking at the dry skin
As tempting as it may be to suck on, bite or pull off the dry skin on your lips, it’s not advised. This is because you can cause mouth sores, blisters and an infection on your lips which is harder to get rid off.
- Stay away from anything containing menthol, eucalyptus or camphor
Vapour rubs and anything containing menthol, eucalyptus or camphor may feel soothing initially. But, these are too harsh on your lips and can cause them to become more dry and irritated.
- Stay hydrated
Drink up to 3 litres of water a day which will keep you hydrated from the inside out. It’s the key to good skin and will mean your lips don’t look dry.
Also read: From socially awkward to life of the party, strike up a conversation anywhere



