It doesn't get much simpler or basic than petroleum jelly. "These products form protective barriers over your lips that help keep them hydrated," says Prystowsky. Both she and Swann count petroleum-based Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $12, among their favorite chapped lips remedies. It contains moisturizing ingredients to nourish dry lips, while petroleum prevents moisture loss. If using good old Vaseline, apply over a hydrating lip balm.
If petroleum-based products aren't your jam, there are plenty of other barrier-forming lip treatments that are more eco-friendly, like Glossier's The Balm Dotcom, $12 -- the chapped lip salve with a cult following. Beeswax, lanolin and castor seed oil lock moisture in, while cupuacu fruit extract moisturizes and soothes.
Though it may sound counterintuitive, gentle exfoliation is key when it comes to fixing chapped lips. According to Sadick, it stimulates the healing process. Exfoliate no more than twice a week.
For a lip scrub that won't be too harsh on lips, try Fresh Sugar Lip Polish, $24. Its brown sugar crystals slough off dead skin without irritating.
For a DIY lip scrub, massage your lips with a soft-bristled toothbrush, or make a paste out of brown sugar and honey or coconut oil.
For a lip scrub that won't be too harsh on lips, try Fresh Sugar Lip Polish, $24. Its brown sugar crystals slough off dead skin without irritating.
For a DIY lip scrub, massage your lips with a soft-bristled toothbrush, or make a paste out of brown sugar and honey or coconut oil.
To treat severely chapped lips, follow your lip exfoliation with Sadick's healing regimen:
Apply aloe vera twice a day to alleviate inflammation (we like Aubrey Pure Aloe Vera Gel, $12.95). Finish with a lip balm containing colloidal oatmeal and natural oils, such as Carmex Comfort Care Lip Balm, $1.99, which, says Sadick, will moisturize, protect and aid skin regeneration. Like Glossier's The Balm Dotcom, this Carmex balm is made with castor oil, beeswax and cupuacu butter.
Apply aloe vera twice a day to alleviate inflammation (we like Aubrey Pure Aloe Vera Gel, $12.95). Finish with a lip balm containing colloidal oatmeal and natural oils, such as Carmex Comfort Care Lip Balm, $1.99, which, says Sadick, will moisturize, protect and aid skin regeneration. Like Glossier's The Balm Dotcom, this Carmex balm is made with castor oil, beeswax and cupuacu butter.
"Any oil-based product that is non-irritating, such as coconut, emu and sunflower oil, can be excellent for chapped lips," says Swann. "Natural and synthetic oils function as a wet-barrier on skin, preventing desiccation and dehydration."
Reach for oil-infused balms like intensive moisturizing multitasker Kopari Coconut Balm, $32, or lip oil treatments like Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil, $44 -- a supremely hydrating and lip-plumping elixir.
Or, if you don't mind the mess, you can apply a dab of olive oil or coconut oil to chapped lips before bed.
Reach for oil-infused balms like intensive moisturizing multitasker Kopari Coconut Balm, $32, or lip oil treatments like Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil, $44 -- a supremely hydrating and lip-plumping elixir.
Or, if you don't mind the mess, you can apply a dab of olive oil or coconut oil to chapped lips before bed.