Besides bundling up with plenty of clothing, many people throw on a scarf to cover part of the face before heading out into cold weather. But wearing a thick scarf around the neck and lower face still may not prevent a person’s lips from becoming chapped.

Chapped lips are a common occurrence just about any time of the year. But when breezy cold, dry air settles in, lips can become chapped – and this can make smiling, eating and talking uncomfortable.

Several measures can be taken to treat or prevent chapped lips:

– Apply an oil-based lubricating cream, lip balm containing petrolatum or beeswax, or lipstick on lips prior to heading out in cold weather. Reapply several times while outside.

– Select a lip-protection product that contains sunscreen.

– Don’t lick your lips. Saliva evaporates quickly, and can leave lips drier than before. Also, avoid using a flavored lip balm that can also tempt you to lick your lips.

– Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration can contribute to chapped lips.

– Keep the indoor air at home moist by using a humidifier.

Source: Mayo Clinic