How To Stop Licking Your Lips

Licking your lips throughout the day may be nothing more than a common habit. You can be trying to alleviate chapped lips, or you may not even realize that you’re doing it. No matter which way you look at it, consistently licking your lips can take a toll on the look and feel of your pout. If you find that it’s a hard habit to shake, no worries, we’re here to help. After all, it’s important to have a set of healthy-looking lips. Thankfully, learning how to stop licking lips is not out of reach. With persistence and determination, you’ll be able to take back control. Keep reading to learn how to stop licking lips once and for all.

WHY IS LICKING YOUR LIPS BAD?

Before we give you the rundown on how to stop licking lips, it’s important to know why the habit is the ultimate no-no. As we mentioned, you may rely on licking your lips to provide your pout with moisture. But you’re actually doing more harm than good. According to the Mayo Clinic, saliva evaporates quickly. In turn, this leaves your lips drier than they were before you licked them. It can also cause chapped lips to become a reality—which, let’s face it, are not cute.

HOW TO STOP LICKING YOUR LIPS

Now that you’re aware of the harm licking your lips can do, it’s time to take action. Consider the six tips below to help you learn how to stop licking lips.

1. OPT FOR A NOURISHING LIP BALM

One of the easiest ways to make lip-licking a thing of the past is to keep a nourishing lip balm handy. All you have to do is apply the product to your lips when needed to eliminate the urge to lick your pout and help keep dry lips at bay. You’ll also find that if you do try and lick your lips, the taste of the lip balm will serve as a reminder for you to stop. It’s also a good idea to keep a lip balm handy in your purse, car, or office.

2. TRY A LIP OIL

If you’re not too fond of lip balms, lip oils are a fabulous alternative. These essentials are all about providing your pout with moisture. They’re actually known to seal in longer-lasting hydration, which will help keep your mind off of licking your lips. We also appreciate that these formulas are on the thin side, so you don’t have to worry about a heavy feel. Visit our article, What Is Lip Oil?, to learn more about this beauty staple.

3. REVAMP YOUR LIP CARE ROUTINE

Dry lips are something that everyone has fallen victim to at least once. Instead of trying to lick away dryness (a futile effort, as we mentioned), it may be worth exploring the right lip care routine. Plus, it can go a long way in improving the overall look of your lips. Check out our article, How To Care For Dry Lips, to get the ball rolling.

4. WEAR LIP GLOSS OR LIPSTICK

After putting in the time to create the perfect lip makeup look, you wouldn’t want anything to get in the way and ruin it. Wearing lip gloss or lipstick is the oldest trick in the book to help deter you from licking your lips. After all, no one wants to flaunt a faded or smudged pout. Plus, the taste of lipstick should prompt you not to lick your lips even more.

5. GRAB A STICK OF CHEWING GUM

As we mentioned, you may not be aware that you lick your lips. One of the best things you can do is distract yourself. Try chewing a stick of gum to prevent a lip-licking session. You can also opt for a piece of candy or mints to help you kick the habit.

6. KEEP A HUMIDIFIER HANDY

If you live in a dry, cold climate or spend a lot of time in air conditioning, you may experience dry skin. This can leave you with dry lips that seem to beg for you to start licking. If you know that you lick your lips in dry environments, it may be smart to rely on a humidifier. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, humidifiers can add moisture back into the air. In turn, this can help keep your lips hydrated. No lip-licking necessary! Get the full scoop on this useful gadget with our article, How Using a Humidifier Can Benefit Your Skin.

Next: 5 Tips For Beautiful-Looking Lips