Your skin is a vessel that begs for moisture, and the winter is a greedy little season that is determined to deprive your body of it.
During the coldest months, skin dries out quickly, leaving you scaly, itchy, and uncomfortable.
Your lips are even more susceptible to the dry winter plague due to the fact that they don't have oil glands, which help our skin to compensate for the lack of moisture it receives.
They also are less abundant in melanin, which protects our skin from burning due to winter glare.
To save your lips from the treacherous throes of frozen frenzy, stick to these basic tips.
First, start your day off with a little lip TLC.
When brushing your teeth, use your foamy, toothpaste-laden brush to gently sooth your lips.
Working in a circle motion, sweep the brush over any dead skin to loosen and lift any unwanted particles.
Wash your mouth with warm water, and apply an aloe or menthol-based lip balm.
Remember to also moisturize the corners of your mouth with the balm, as these areas are often neglected.
If you're in love with lipstick, try to stick to one with a moisturizing formula (many drug stores stock these gems in abundance), or apply balm as a topcoat over your daily lip treatment.
Drink lots of water during the day, as your lips rely on the saliva in your mouth to stay nourished.
If your body is dehydrated, your mouth will be dry, and if your mouth is dry, your lips will be hurting.
Invest in some Vitamin E pills, and apply a thin layer of the substance before bedtime.
Use a safety pin to prick a hole in the pill, and squeeze the gel right onto your lips.
After all, you'll need to keep those lips kissably soft during the long, cold winter months.