Winter, wind, sun or even air conditioning have one thing in common: they put a strain on your lips. They tug, become rough, then sometimes end up cracking until they hurt. And when the smile becomes unpleasant, it’s difficult to think of anything else.
However, there is a simple solution that has been passed down for generations. No need for complicated ingredients or spending a fortune. Two products that you probably already have in your kitchen are enough to prepare a homemade treatment capable of providing real comfort to the driest lips.
Why do lips become so dry?
Unlike the rest of the skin, the lips have almost no sebaceous glands. They therefore produce very little natural protective film. Result: they quickly lose their hydration as soon as temperatures drop, the wind blows or the air becomes too dry.
Certain actions also aggravate the problem without us realizing it. Licking your lips regularly gives an immediate feeling of relief, but the saliva evaporates very quickly and carries away even more moisture. A few hours later, the lips are often even more dry.
Lack of hydration, certain medical treatments, prolonged exposure to the sun or even heating in winter can also worsen chapping. It is precisely in these moments that traditional recipes regain their interest.
Grandma’s recipe with butter and honey, a nourishing treatment in just a few minutes
This preparation only requires two ingredients:
- a small knob of unsalted butter;
- a teaspoon of honey.
First let the butter come to room temperature so that it becomes very soft. Then mix it with the honey until you obtain a perfectly homogeneous paste.
Apply a generous layer to clean lips before going to bed. Leave it on for around fifteen minutes, or even overnight if you wish. You can remove the excess with a tissue or let the treatment penetrate naturally.
Butter provides fats which help to deeply nourish the skin and limit water loss. Honey is appreciated for its softening properties and its naturally humectant power, which helps attract and retain moisture on the surface of the lips.
From the first applications, the lips often find more suppleness. The feelings of tightness gradually diminish and the small skin becomes easier to remove without tearing them off.
Good habits that really make a difference
Even if this recipe is very popular, it will be even more effective if you adopt a few daily reflexes.
Drink enough water throughout the day to help your body stay properly hydrated. Avoid biting or picking off dead skin, as this slows down its repair. When the cold sets in or the wind blows hard, also remember to protect your lips with a suitable balm before going out.
Once a week, you can also make a very gentle scrub by mixing a small quantity of honey with a few grains of very fine sugar. A few circular movements are enough to gently remove dead cells before applying the butter and honey mixture.
This grandmother’s recipe has passed down through the generations because it remains simple, economical and quick to prepare. With just two ingredients from the cupboard, you can give your lips a nourishing treatment that helps them regain softness and comfort when chapped lips start to appear.
Are butter and honey really effective against very dry lips?
Butter helps nourish the skin thanks to its richness in fat, while honey is known for its softening and moisturizing properties. Together, they form a protective barrier which limits dehydration of the lips and promotes their comfort.
What type of butter should you use for this grandmother’s recipe?
The ideal is to use soft butter, preferably unsalted. It applies more easily to the lips and is unlikely to cause salt-related irritation.
Can we replace the butter with another natural ingredient?
Yes. If you don’t have butter, you can use shea butter, coconut oil or a little sweet almond oil. These alternatives are also appreciated for their nourishing properties on dry lips.
How often should you apply this mixture to your lips?
During periods of severe chapping, you can apply this treatment once or twice a day, especially in the evening before going to bed. Once the lips become supple again, one or two applications per week are often enough to maintain them.
What to do if your lips remain very dry despite this home treatment?
If the chapping persists for several weeks, becomes very painful, bleeds regularly or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is best to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. Very damaged lips can sometimes be linked to irritation, an allergy or a condition requiring specific treatment.
Photo credit: @shutterstock
