Do your lips dry out in winter? Peeling, cracked, sore lips are no fun, particularly not for kissing! But it also makes it difficult to apply lipstick or balm. To avoid this problem, follow this simple plan and achieve smooth, kissable lips again.

1.Don't lick your lips if they are dry. Once the saliva evaporates, your lips dry out even more.

2.Exfoliate your lips - to help improve dry lips, gently rub over your lips with a face washer or face scrub as this will exfoliate any dry or dead skin from your lips. This allows moisture to soak into live skin cells where it is really needed.

3.Apply lip balm before bed - particularly if you mouth breathe apply a natural lip balm rich in beeswax. Beeswax holds in moisture without having an occlusive effect unlike mineral oil based products. Even organic oil based lip balms aren't ideal. While good for a glossy look, they don't stop moisture loss.

4.Wear lipstick or a rich lip balm during the day and apply regularly - air-conditioning, cold, wind and low humidity will exacerbate or even cause dry lips so keep them glossed!

5.Consider a lip balm with SPF if you are playing sport or exposed to the sun for extended periods of time.

6.Drink plenty of water - dry skin and dry lips can result from dehydration - it's that simple sometimes!

7.Good oils - if your skin is dry in general as well as your lips, consider adding a few extra essential fatty acids into your diet as they help the skin cells hold onto moisture. Avocado, nuts & seed, fish and flax seed oil are all good sources.

8.Avoid too much caffeine and alcohol as they dehydrate your skin, lips, everything basically!

9.If the body of your lips is smooth but you regularly get cracks or irritation in the corners (I get them from eating potato chips - now you know all my bad habits!This may actually be the result of low vitamin levels. Generally cracks in the corners of the mouth equate to low B group vitamin levels. If this is the case, you will see very rapid improvement by taking a B supplement. If not, consider seeing your Dr to get your iron levels checked as these cracks, known as angular stomatitis may also be linked to low iron levels (don't take iron tablets without having your levels tested first though). And all of this in an attempt to get a kiss no less! You may not need to do everything on the list but remember that all these tips apply to your skin in general. Keep in well moisturised and nourished and it won't get dry or dehydrated during winter.