How to treat chapped lips overnight

When the chilly winter wind, or roasting summer sun wicks the moisture from your lips, it’s undeniably painful. If you’re battling dry, peeling, or chapped lips take action tonight. Soothe, exfoliate, and hydrate the tender skin at home with one of these lip-care ideas.

Pamper your lips

If it’s difficult to even touch your lips, they need some TLC immediately. Soak a wash cloth in cold water and hold it to your lips. The cool sensation will dull the pain, while the moisture temporarily hydrates fine cracks, which can be very painful.



Make sure the water moistens any loose or peeling skin. If you notice swelling, open sores, or oozing, you may have a skin infection. Visit your family doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Once the skin is soothed, and it’s not uncomfortable to touch or move your lips, you need to exfoliate.

Remove dry skin

It’s not practical to try to hydrate and rejuvenate dead skin. Exfoliating your chapped lips is simple and only takes a few minutes. Soak the wash cloth in very warm water. Being very careful not to burn yourself, place one finger under the cloth, and use it to gently scrub away the dry skin from your chapped lips.

Using a slow, circular motion over both your top and bottom lips, rub away the loose, dry skin . Make sure to get the creases of your mouth too. This step can be a little painful if you have scabs forming over the dry skin. Let the warm water help soften your chapped lips and skin before you rub.

Moisturize your lips

Finally, introduce a hydrating and healing ointment to your lips. Try naturally antibacterial coconut oil or honey, or, opt for thick petroleum jelly without any fragrance added. Let the moisturizer sit on your lips for 10 minutes. Then, carefully, wipe your lips clean with the warm wash cloth.

Next, apply a hydrating oil. Try a plant-based oil such as jojoba oil, cocoa butter, extra virgin olive oil, or more coconut oil. Place a thick layer of the oil on your lips and let it soak in naturally. This can take up to 20 minutes. If you sleep on your back, apply the oil just before bed, and you’ll wake up with soft, hydrated lips. If you tend to toss and turn at night, apply the oil 30 minutes before bedtime to give the oil ample time to absorb into your chapped lips.