Projecting confidence ahead of the polls, Banerjee asserted that the TMC would secure a comfortable victory. “We will win more than 226 seats in the 2026 assembly polls,” she said. The Trinamool Congress on Tuesday unveiled its candidate list for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections
At least 10 persons charred to death in a truck-bus collision in Andhra PradeshThe accident occurred near Rayavaram village between 6:00 am and 6:30 am, according to preliminary information gathered by the police. Updated on: Mar 26, 2026 8:00 AM IST By Srinivasa Rao Apparasu Share via Copy link At
The new labour laws under the OSH Code, 2020 are set to change how companies manage employee leave, introducing a 30-day carry forward cap, mandatory encashment of excess leave, and stronger safeguards against leave denial—aimed at ensuring workers don’t lose their entitled time off
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Late night streaming feels better with these top 5 bedroom smart TVsFind the best smart TVs for your bedroom with options that balance size, sound, and picture quality
The rules are even stricter for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries. For PMUY consumers, the waiting period has gone up by 20 days, now standing at 45 days. New Delhi: Indian Oil Corporation has revised the mandatory waiting period for households with two-cylinder connections from 25 days
If you've ever struggled with dull, dry or chapped lips, you're not alone. Though, chapped and cracked lips are a big turn-off, the fact is that we often tend to ignore our lip region, thinking applying just a lip balm would do, only to find, it is not sufficient. The truth is, healthy lips are more than just an aesthetic feature, they reflect hydration, lifestyle, and self-care.

If you've ever struggled with dull, dry or chapped lips, you're not alone. Though, chapped and cracked lips are a big turn-off, the fact is that we often tend to ignore our lip region, thinking applying just a lip balm would do, only to find, it is not sufficient. The truth is, healthy lips are more than just an aesthetic feature, they reflect hydration, lifestyle, and self-care.
Dr Rinky Kapoor, Celebrity Dermatologist, Director and Co-Founder, The Esthetic Clinics tells HT Lifestyle, “Lips are one of the most delicate areas of the skin and are often prone to pigmentation, dryness, and cracking because they lack oil glands. Sun exposure, smoking, dehydration, and frequent lip licking are common causes of darkening and uneven tone.”
So, this guide will walk you through the causes of common lip issues and effective remedies to restore soft, hydrated, and naturally pink lips.
Lip pigmentation occurs when lips turn darker or patchy. While natural pigmentation due to genetics is common, certain factors worsen the problem:
Sun exposure – UV rays darken and damage delicate lip skin.
Smoking & caffeine – Regular smoking and high coffee/tea intake stain lips.
Allergic reactions – Harsh lipsticks or chemicals trigger irritation.
Dehydration & deficiencies – Lack of hydration and vitamins leads to discolouration.
To maintain healthy lips, regular hydration is essential - drink enough water and use a nourishing lip balm with SPF protection. Gentle exfoliation once a week helps remove dead cells and restore natural tone, while vitamin E–enriched balms can repair cracks.
Some tips:
Exfoliate naturally – Use a sugar + honey scrub once a week to remove dead cells.
Hydrating lip balms – Look for ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or vitamin E.
Use SPF lip care – Always apply a lip balm with sun protection.
Home remedies – Apply beetroot juice, rose petals in milk, or aloe vera gel for natural lightening.
Uneven lip tone can make lips appear blotchy; lighter on some areas, darker on others, and can be caused due to various reasons like poor blood circulation, excessive use of matte or chemical-based lipsticks or lip products, stress and hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies
Lip oil massage – Almond or rosehip oil helps improve blood circulation.
Balanced diet – Add iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12-rich foods.
Switch lipsticks – Opt for hydrating, paraben-free lip products.
Overnight care – Use aloe vera gel or lip sleeping masks.
Cracked & Chapped Lips: Causes and Cure
Chapped lips are painful and often caused by:
Cold, dry weather or constant exposure to AC/heaters
Licking lips too often
Vitamin B, zinc, and iron deficiencies
Lack of hydration
To heal cracked lips fast, Dr Kapoor advises to avoid harsh cosmetics. "If persistent pigmentation occurs, dermatological treatments like mild chemical peels or laser therapy may be recommended. Most importantly, use the right type of make up, since improper lipstick usage etc can seriously impact lip aesthetics,” she adds.
Stop licking your lips – Saliva worsens dryness.
Apply lip balm frequently – Especially after meals and before bed.
Use natural healing remedies – Honey + ghee or coconut oil works wonders.
Humidify your room – Prevents lips from drying out in winter or AC conditions.
Here are some daily lip car tips for you:
Hydrate well – Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily.
Avoid harsh chemicals – Steer clear of alcohol-based lipsticks.
Embrace lip masks – Use once a week for intense nourishment.
Eat vitamin-rich foods – Add leafy greens, nuts, and fruits for natural lip health.
Final Thoughts
Your lips deserve the same care as your face. By addressing pigmentation, uneven tone, and cracked lips with simple remedies and lifestyle changes, you can achieve naturally soft, pink, and healthy lips.
Remember: The secret lies in consistent care, hydration, and sun protection. A few minutes of daily attention is all it takes to keep your smile beautiful and confident.
Similar articles for you:
How to find the perfect makeup base for your skin? Here is our guide for your help
How to apply eyeliner like a pro: Master the art of perfect eyelining; Our tricks and tips
How to pick a perfume as per your personality trait? An expert share tips to help you pick your next bottle
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Try these lip care products to treat dry and chapped lips this winter Say Goodbye To Chapped Lips This Winter Struggling With Dry And Dull Skin Dull Skin? This Everyday Food Item Paste Can Restore Your Glow Best Moisturizing Lip Balms For Soft Lips on Myntra Noida techie ‘struggled for 2 hours Mama's Boy' Salman Khan Struggled To Accept Salim Khan's Second Wife Helen 7 simple tips to keep your lips soft and healthy Kantara Chapter 1 star Rishab Shetty says he once struggled to get even one show Amazon Lip Liners – Long-Lasting And Stylish Picks For Perfect Lips
With just days left until submissions close on March 29, the ET AI Hackathon 2026 enters its most decisive stretch. Shortlisted teams are now deep in development, refining prototypes under real constraints. The focus has shifted entirely to execution, where clarity, functionality
1 days ago
Quote of the day, 26 March: “I don't think I'm a very emotional person. I'm a very practical person. I like to keep things simple,” MS Dhoni. Meaning of quoteThis quote from MS Dhoni offers a direct glimpse into his core philosophy.Quote of the day
1 days ago
Priyanka Chopra clicks pictures with fans as she lands in India; heads to Amritsar for ‘another adventure’Priyanka Chopra was recently spotted at the Delhi airport, happily posing for fans and the paparazzi before heading to Amritsar. Mar 26, 2026
1 days ago
A 22-year-old woman from the United Kingdom is thinking about moving to Bengaluru after getting a job offer. Before making a decision, she reached out online to understand what life in the city might be like, especially for someone her age. She shared that her main worries are safety and feeling
1 days ago
Paresh Raja’s £200,000 watch raised red flags years before £1.3-billion MFS collapseIn 2019, Paresh Raja, the man behind MFS, turned up to meetings wearing a Richard Mille timepiece worth upwards of £200,000. Updated on: Mar 26, 2026 7:11 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy link Years before
1 days ago
The Uttar Pradesh Police has booked All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen’s state unit chief Haji Shaukat Ali for making allegedly provocative remarks during an Eid event in Meerut, The Indian Express reported on Wednesday. Three of the party’s office-bearers have also been arrested for
1 days ago
Tamil Nadu’s main opposition party, AIADMK, on Wednesday released its first list of 23 candidates for the State Assembly polls, with party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami set to contest from his home constituency of Edappadi. In Tamil Nadu, the polling will be held in a single phase on April 23 to
1 days ago
Manchester United boss Marc Skinner knows going to Germany and overturning a 3-2 first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League will test his side like never before. But he refuses to believe it is a task beyond them. Skinner rejected claims his side were naive in not shutting the
1 days ago
India will champion food security and farmer welfare at the upcoming WTO conference in Cameroon. The nation will advocate for developing economies' policy space in digital trade and investment. Discussions will cover WTO reform, e-commerce, and fisheries subsidies
1 days ago
Mohamed Salah's long goodbye from Liverpool signals the end of a glorious era and leaves the Premier League giants facing another expensive rebuild. The Egyptian superstar announced on Tuesday that he would be leaving Anfield at the end of the season after a glittering nine-year spell at the club
1 days ago
As per the report, a senior Congress leader confirmed that the notices were received a few days ago, giving the party limited time to respond. The development has caused concern within the party, with leaders acknowledging that the situation has become more urgent than before.As per the report
1 days ago
US president Donald Trump says he will meet Chinese president Xi Jinping in China on 14-15 May, after delaying the landmark trip amid the US-Israel war with Iran. This would be the first visit to China by a US president in nearly 10 years. Trump is also set to host Xi in Washington DC later this
1 days ago
Carlo Ancelotti reacts to Neymar selection debate as Brazil legends rally amid World Cup snub fears Updated on: Mar 26, 2026 7:10 AM IST Written by Aratrick Mondal Share via Copy link Carlo Ancelotti had his say on Neymar World Cup debate Key Takeaways Summary is AI-generated Brazil head coach
1 days ago
Queen Camilla is to appear in a BBC documentary about the life-changing power of books. The Queen will reflect on the childhood experiences that sparked her passion for reading and reflect on the comfort she still finds in books. In what programme-makers describe as a "special and intimate
1 days ago
The bombs, the stranded ships and LPG shortages have made it to the headlines. The acid rain, the oil spills and the carbon cost of rerouting ships remain hidden in plain sight. Four weeks ago, the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran. Since then
1 days ago
NCP(SP) leader Rohit Pawar alleged that Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare attempted to seize control of the NCP after Ajit Pawar's death by falsely claiming constitutional amendments to the ECI. Sunetra Pawar reportedly thwarted this plan by writing to the ECI
1 days ago
State-run Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) on Wednesday dismissed rumours of petrol and diesel shortages, assuring that fuel supplies across the country remain adequate and supply chains are functioning smoothly. In a public advisory, the company said it is fully operational and committed to
1 days ago
Samsung Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G mobiles launched in India: Check specs, features and priceSamsung has launched Galaxy A57 and A37 in India, bringing new AI features, camera updates, and long-term software support to everyday smartphone users. Published on: Mar 25
1 days ago
Trump names Jensen Huang, Mark Zuckerberg to 13-member tech councilThe President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) could ultimately include 24 people. Published on: Mar 25, 2026 7:11 PM IST By HT Business Desk Share via Copy link US President Donald Trump plans to appoint Mark
1 days ago
Warner Bros. Discovery has officially unveiled the first teaser, title and release date of its much-anticipated Harry Potter television series. Announced at a special event in London marking the launch of HBO Max in the region, the series will debut globally on Christmas Day 2026.Warner Bros
1 days ago
NHAI to take over MG Road stretch, plans upgrade and interchange at Iffco5.5km corridor to be revamped with repairs and traffic solutions; stretch part of NH148A linking Delhi and Gurugram. Updated on: Mar 26, 2026 7:56 AM IST By Abhishek Behl Share via Copy link The National Highways Authority of
1 days ago
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina to clash again in Miami Open semi-final Published on: Mar 26, 2026 7:22 AM IST AFP Share via Copy link Aryna Sabalenka celebrates winning her match against Hailey Baptiste in the quarter finals of the women’s singles at the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium (IMAGN
1 days ago
One player cannot replace Gareth Bale – Wales' greatest is simply irreplaceable – but Harry Wilson is giving the impossible job a pretty good go. It is difficult to overstate the void Bale left. More international goals and appearances than any other Welshman
1 days ago
US officials are considering a plan to seize Iran’s Kharg Island, a crucial oil export hub through which roughly 90 per cent of the country’s crude shipments pass, according to a Reuters report. The development underscores the widening scope of military options being examined as the conflict
1 days ago
Dhurandhar: The Revenge isn’t just trending for its box office numbers; it is also giving people a lot to talk about, especially when it comes to its characters. The film has been surrounded by chatter, from being called a “propaganda" film to theories about which real-life personalities
1 days ago
“My mother is so rare, even her eyes are green. Grace, strength, and love, you are everything,” Sonam Kapoor wrote. Sunita Kapoor celebrated her birthday on March 25, with warm wishes pouring in from family and the film industry. Among them, Sonam Kapoor took a nostalgic trip down memory lane
1 days ago
The Indian rupee fell to a record low, breaching the 94-mark against the United States dollar. The currency slumped 29 paise to close at a record low of 94.05 as the outflow of foreign funds continued amid the conflict in West Asia. A drop in global crude oil prices and positive sentiments in the
1 days ago