Whether it is the cold or sunshine that has left your pout feeling cracked and unloved, sore lips can be a real pain and can end up looking unsightly too. Luckily, there is plenty you can do to protect your lips from the elements and keep them feeling and looking their best all year round. Here are 5 top tips to help keep your pout soft, smooth, and healthy.

1. Ingredients Matter

When trying to find the best care for your lips, ingredients do matter. Many lip balms and glosses may taste good, but unless you are using the right quality ingredients, your lips may not be feeling the benefit. Shea butter is a great ingredient to have in your lip products. Not only does it help moisturize lips effectively, but it also creates a barrier from outside elements, meaning your lips are less likely to dry out and crack in the future. Aloe vera and beeswax are also two natural ingredients that can help repair lips and keep them hydrated with their natural moisturizing properties. Vitamin E is also another go-to ingredient to look out for if your lips are feeling dry as it can also help guard against damaging UV rays, stressor for already sore lips. Always try to use the best quality ingredients you can in your lip balms. Not only will it keep your lips happy and healthy, but it will also keep them smooth and nourished, making them the perfect base when applying lipstick. Cracked lips are a no-no for any colored balms or tints, so using the right ingredients first is essential.

2. Avoid Licking Lips

Although it is tempting, if your lips are already feeling dry, you should try not to lick them. Licking and wetting the lips will only dry them out further and can leave you in an endless cycle of licking chapped skin.

3. Drink Lots of Water

One of the significant causes of cracked lips is dehydration, so make sure you are drinking enough water to keep your pout plump and hydrated. The skin on your lips is some of the most sensitive on the body, so it is essential to make sure this delicate area does not lose out on crucial moisture. Drinking lots of water is beneficial for a healthy body and mind, so aim to enjoy 8 glasses a day to keep your lips smooth and happy.

4. Sun is your Lips Enemy

Whatever the weather, too much sun or cold can spell disaster for your lips. Your lips do not naturally produce their moisture as they do not have moisture glands, so in the winter, you are much more likely to notice your lips drying out and feeling tighter and more chapped than usual. Using a lip balm and an emollient barrier cream can help to alleviate any discomfort and keep your lips soft and ready for any mistletoe kisses. If you are often out in the sun, a large-brimmed hat can work wonders to protect your lips from the harsh, dehydrating effect of the sun’s harmful UV rays. A lip mask can be an ideal treat for parched lips. Honey is one of the best ingredients to use. Smooth onto your lips, allow to soak in for a few minutes, and then rinse to reveal and feel the benefits of a softer, more nourished pout.

5. Natural Skincare Products

Taking care of the skin on your lips can be tricky sometimes, as it is such a sensitive area. No matter how good the ingredients are in your lip balm, you won’t be feeling any benefit unless you are also exfoliating your lips regularly, too. A lip scrub should be an essential part of your beauty and self-care routine as it gently helps to lift away any dead skin from the lips without being harsh or abrasive. Without this layer of dead skin sitting on top, your lip balm’s ingredients can soak into your lips and work their magic. The GeoBlends lip scrub comes in two naturally scented flavors, cherry and orange vanilla. Use these delicious natural scrubs to gently buff your lips once or twice a week to reveal happier, healthier lips. Using only natural sugar and the moisturizing benefits of cocoa butter, mango butter, and coconut oil, it will leave your lips feeling and tasting delicious! The GeoBlends selection of lip balms are the perfect way to keep your lips hydrated and in top condition all year round. Available in a vast range of flavors, including pink lemonade, strawberry, and ginger citrus, there is a balm to suit everyone. They are packed with lip-loving ingredients such as coconut oil, olive oil, and star ingredients like beeswax and vitamin E; the GeoBlend lip balms are handy to swipe on whenever your lips are feeling dry and in need of some extra natural care.

When it comes to having happy lips, prevention matters. Make sure you are taking care of the sensitive skin on your lips with the best lip balm ingredients and keeping them covered and moisturized against the elements. Never scrub too hard with your lip scrub – 15 seconds is ample – but do remember to remove that dead skin regularly to keep your lips kissable soft and smooth.