Does aloe vera work for chapped lips?

While we all love the winter weather, no one can ignore the many problems it brings with it. Case in point – chapped lips! As the temperature drops and the air becomes crisp, our delicate lips often bear the brunt of this harsh weather so you end up using different things to deal with it. One remedy people believe works wonders for chapped lips is aloe vera. But is using aloe vera for chapped lips a good idea?

Health Shots got in touch with Consultant Dermatologist Dr Seema Oberoi Lall to know if aloe vera for chapped lips works or not.

Is using aloe vera for chapped lips a good idea?

The goodness of aloe vera needs no introduction because it is one of the oldest plants that offers several medicinal benefits. It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help in wound healing and soothe allergies. Dr Oberoi says that it can even nourish dry, cracked, and chapped lips. “However, it is not that great of a moisturiser. Combining it with a more hydrating moisturizer can give more benefits than using it alone. Things like coconut oil and mineral oil can be used as a base if you want to use aloe vera for chapped lips.

Aloe vera can irritate the skin or even cause severe allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to it. Aloe vera reaction could manifest as the following:

• redness
• itching
• swelling of lips
• swollen skin around the lips

While it might work for some, it is not a good idea to use aloe vera regularly to treat chapped lips. Someone prone to allergies is more likely to suffer from a reaction. So, it is better to avoid aloe vera for chapped lips. You must always do a patch test on your skin before you make any ingredient a part of your skincare routine.

Also Read: 5 best beetroot lip balms to get rid of dry, chapped lips

Use these home remedies for chapped lips instead!

If you were relying too much on aloe vera to moisturise your lips, you should now stop and switch to these home remedies instead as recommended by the dermatologist:

1. Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains nourishing properties that moisturises the skin and heal the skin. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology found that coconut oil creates a skin barrier that repairs the damage caused by harsh environmental factors. So, rub a little coconut oil on your lips if they feel dry and chapped.

2. Honey

Honey contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, as found in a study published in the Central Asian Journal of Global Health. It acts as a mild exfoliator that helps remove dry, dead skin from the lips and improves the texture of the lips.

3. Cow ghee

Ghee contains essential fatty acids that nourish dry and chapped lips. It helps the skin stay hydrated for longer, keeping it smooth.

4. Butter

Dr Oberoi says that butter can work as a good home remedy for chapped lips. It contains excellent nourishing and moisturising properties that nourish your lips.

Also Read: Shea butter moisturisers will help you say goodbye to dry skin!

5. Glycerine

Did you know glycerine is a natural humectant that absorbs and retains moisture? Well, glycerine can heal cracks or flaky skin and help you get rid of chapped lips. Plus, it can make your lips look soft and plump.