The great outdoors aren’t so great for our lips. Exposure to wind, the sun and cold, dry air can causes our lips to get chapped a cracked. Breathing with your mouth open, dehydration and allergies are other factors that can make your lips not so smooth. Vitamin B and iron deficiencies can also cause lips to scale.

Use coconut oil, olive oil or shea butter on sore lips instead of commercial products. Many non-natural products contain petroleums, which actually make lips dryer and more painful. Beeswax is another good ingredient that can help heal lips. Also, if you’re a drooler at night, applying zinc oxide before bed is a good way to protect your lips. And make sure to eat plenty of foods rich in vitamin A. A is an important nutrient for the growth and repair of skin. Finally, make sure you’re guarding your lips against the outdoors by applying balm when you go outside. Many balms also contain SPF, which gives your lips added protection from the sun.