If you dread winter weather because of what it does to your lips then now’s the time to get your lips “winter ready.” What is it about the lips that make them so susceptible to chapping, peeling and flaking?

Lips are one of the few areas of the body that have no oil glands. Because of this your lips will always be drier than the rest of your face so they should be treated with extra special care. Before you go outside in the cold, wind or sun use these simple tips to help prepare your lips.

EXFOLIATE: Just like your face, your lips need to be exfoliated. (This just means removing the dead skin cells.) If you use a physical exfoliator on your face, a product with a bead or grain in it, then use it on your lips at the same time. Or when you finish brushing your teeth at night rinse the toothpaste off your brush and lightly rub the brush over your lips to help slough off any flakes. You can also take a washcloth and lightly “buff” your lips one or two times a week. Remember to only exfoliate wet skin or wet lips to prevent irritation. You can also use a “lip scrub” like Good Fortune’s Edible Lip Scrub in Brown Sugar Vanilla. (It actually tastes good enough to eat.) After you have exfoliated your lips apply a balm or protectant at night. Just a dab of Vaseline on the lips at night can do the trick.

HYDRATE: Drink lots of water! It not only helps to hydrate your skin but it also keeps the lips hydrated. Lips that are hydrated from the inside out will get chapped less often.

CONCENTRATE: Think about your lips and the habits you may have formed like licking your lips. Refrain from licking your lips especially when you are outside. This may make them feel better initially but with cold weather the end result will be even drier, flakier and more chapped lips. If your lips do get flaky don’t pick at them which will only cause a much more painful problem.

Now, that you know how to prepare your lips for the winter weather what should you look for in lip products? Lip balms, sticks or glosses that are moisture rich, contain honey, shea butter and bees wax are your best bets. Also, look for balms that contain a sunscreen. (The sun’s rays can still burn in the winter.) Be careful if you are using matte lipsticks that contain a lot of color but little moisture. They often can be drying and will only make your chapped lips look even more chapped. A great lipstick that is full of color but also hydrating is Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick. It’s highly pigmented and contains honey nectar which gives you tons of color without the dryness.

If you like natural cosmetics with no parabens or harsh chemicals then Burt’s Bees Lip Balms are a great choice. There are several varieties that will keep your lips smooth and moist with bees wax. If you want a balm type product but also want the benefit of a gloss Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss is a personal favorite. They come in wonderful fruit flavors and a wide range of gorgeous shades.

Choose your favorite lip products, apply generously and walk out the door ready to face the cold weather and winter wind this season.