Few things are worse than dry, cracked lips. Not only are they unsightly, cracked lips can be exceedingly painful as well -- especially during the winter months when the weather is harsh. If you find yourself facing this dilemma, cocoa butter, found in a wide-range of skincare products, may be your ticket to smooth, soft lips.

Because lips lack the protective outer layer and oil glands the rest of our skin has, they're more susceptible to the elements. Cold, wind and dry air all wreak havoc on lips' thin skin. Cocoa butter, a rich fat derived from the same beans as chocolate, helps alleviate this problem. The emollient properties of cocoa butter act as a protective barrier by supplying and retaining moisture in the lips and skin. Cocoa butter also contains antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, which can help slow the signs of aging. Pamper your pucker with a cocoa butter lip balm daily to keep lips well-moisturized and soft no matter what Mother Nature has in store.