How To Treat Lip Peeling And Burning In Winter

The combination of biting outdoor winds and dry indoor heating creates a perfect storm for lip damage. If your lips are already at the stage of peeling and burning, standard lip balm isn't enough; you need to shift from protection to active repair. Here are the expert-recommended steps to soothe the burn and heal the skin barrier.

How To Treat Lip Peeling And Burning In Winter

1. Stop The Saliva Trap

When lips burn, the instinct is to lick them for temporary relief. However, saliva contains digestive enzymes like amylase that break down the delicate skin on your lips, making the burning sensation worse once the moisture evaporates.

• The Fix: Apply a thick occlusive layer immediately whenever you feel the urge to lick.

2. Cool The Inflammation First

If your lips are actively burning or throbbing, they are inflamed. Applying heavy waxes can sometimes trap that heat.

• The Compress: Hold a clean, cold, damp cloth against your lips for five minutes.

• The Soother: Apply a thin layer of 100% pure Aloe Vera gel or a product containing Cucumber extract to take the sting out before sealing it with a balm.

3. Use Slugging Ingredients

For peeling lips, you need ingredients that act as a physical bandage. Look for the ‘Big Three’ of lip repair:

• Ceramides: To rebuild the broken skin barrier.

• Lanolin: One of the most effective ingredients for deep penetration.

• White Petrolatum: The gold standard for sealing in moisture and preventing ‘Trans-Epidermal Water Loss.’

• Avoid: Menthol, camphor, and cinnamon, which provide a cooling sensation but are actually irritants that cause more peeling.

ALSO READ- 5 Winter Habits That Make Your Lips Dry And How To Avoid Them

4. Chemical Over Physical Exfoliation

If your lips are peeling, do not use a sugar scrub. Scrubbing raw, burning skin will cause micro-tears and potential infection.

• The Method: Apply a thick layer of ointment such as Aquaphor or Vaseline and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then, take a soft, damp washcloth and very gently wipe. The dead skin that is ready to come off will lift away without damaging the healthy skin underneath.

5. Nighttime Recovery Mask

The body repairs itself most effectively during sleep.

• The Routine: Dampen your lips slightly with water, apply a Hyaluronic Acid serum, and then top it with a heavy layer of a zinc-based cream or a thick lip mask. The zinc helps heal cracks and prevents redness around the mouth.

ALSO READ- Coconut Oil vs Almond Oil: Which Heals Chapped Lips Faster?

Image credits: Freepik

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