Chapped lips are a universal pain, caused by issues like dehydration, dry winter air or excessive sun exposure. If you’re wondering how to heal dry lips, here’s good news for you — there are many ways to protect them. Explore the common causes of chapped lips and the best products to keep your lips feeling soft and supple.
What are chapped lips?
Chapped lips happen when your lips lose moisture and become dry, cracked and sometimes painful. You may think of this phenomenon as something that only happens in winter, but you may encounter it any time of year unless you’re proactive.
Think of your lips as a delicate flower — they’re sensitive to changes in the weather and your diet. Plus, they don’t have oil glands like the rest of your skin, so they dry out more quickly.
What causes chapped lips?
Your lips feel and look cracked because of several factors.
Dehydration
According to Melanie Abeyta, a nurse practitioner, master injector and owner of Harmony Aesthetics Center in Los Angeles, dehydration is one of the most common causes of cracked lips.
“Chapped lips are caused by dehydration, which can be caused by the sun, the wind and licking your lips,” she said.
Excessive lip licking
Paradoxically, licking your lips doesn’t add moisture — it does the opposite. This habit dehydrates because saliva evaporates, leaving the surface drier than usual.
Cold weather
Winter’s temperature and humidity changes can be harsh on your skin.
“Cold weather wicks the moisture out of your skin, especially on your lips, so making sure that you keep yourself and your skin hydrated is very important,” said Abeyta.
Vitamin deficiency
Chapped lips often indicate a deficiency in B vitamins, zinc or iron. For instance, a lack of vitamin B3 causes scaly or swollen lips. Additionally, you may experience lip inflammation or cracked mouth corners if you have an iron deficiency.
Signs of cracked lips
Besides discomfort and flakiness, you may also experience any of the following:
- Dryness
- Bleeding
- Scales
- Sores
- Swelling
What’s the best way to treat chapped lips?
A lip balm is a tried-and-true remedy for cracks and dryness. Abeyta suggests using products with occlusive ingredients.
“Aquaphor and Vaseline and 1% hydrocortisone can help,” Abeyta said. “Look for ingredients such as ceramides, zinc oxide and dimethicone.”
Products like hyaluronic acid serum, an overnight lip mask and coconut oil can also prevent cracked lips.
“Applying hyaluronic acid serum on your lips, followed by an ointment, is a great way to help them heal and stay hydrated,” Abeyta said. “Also, apply a lip sleeping mask at night to occlude the skin on your lips.”
Sun protection is essential to prevent painful, flaky lips. Use a lip balm with at least SPF 30 to shield against UV rays and dehydration.
What not to use on chapped lips
Avoid using products with the following ingredients, as they can further irritate your lips:
- Menthol
- Eucalyptus
- Salicylic acid
- Cinnamon
- Mint
- Retinol
- Fragrance
Protect your lips with these products
With so many lip balms on the market, it can be challenging to determine which ones work. Here are the best products for dry lips.
1. Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Tinted Lip Balm Rose
This Burt’s Bees balm provides eight-hour moisture and a sheer, matte finish. Its shea butter and botanical waxes offer natural hydration. Apply as often as needed, particularly when going outside.
2. Zum Kiss Lip Balm Trio
The Zum Kiss Lip Balm Trio’s active ingredient is shea butter, which provides long-lasting moisture and healing properties. It also has a mix of natural oils to soften lips. One pack contains three sticks, making it perfect for sharing with your loved ones.
3. Hurraw! Balm Lip Balm Licorice
Hurraw!’s lip balm features a blend of oils from anise seeds and native Chinese star anise fruit. It has a slight hint of natural sweetness and an aroma that will leave your lips looking and smelling incredible. Some ingredients include moisturizing botanical oils, like safflower seed oil, coconut oil, castor seed oil and jojoba seed oil.
4. Sun Bum Tinted SPF Lip Balm Sunset Cove
This product provides sun protection, moisturizing properties, a lightweight feel and a subtle hint of color. It offers SPF 15 and is free from parabens, silicon, gluten and dye. Quick tip — avoid twisting up the product too much. It can be challenging to twist it back down.
Other ways to treat chapped lips
Ensure you have soft, supple lips with these tips.
1. Stay dehydrated
Chapped lips are a sign of dehydration, so drink plenty of water. According to Abeyta, eight to 10 glasses of water daily is ideal. You can also eat water-rich fruits like apples, melons and cucumbers.
2. Avoid licking, biting or picking your lips
Wetting dry lips by licking them may feel natural, but this can do more harm than good. If you catch yourself falling into these habits, stop immediately and apply lip balm instead.
3. Eat a balanced diet to address nutrient deficiencies
Maximize the mix of foods on your plate. Consult your physician or nutritionist about making wise dietary choices. Avoid relying on supplements with splashy claims and labels to fulfill your nutrient needs.
4. Use a humidifier
Humidifiers restore moisture to the air, preventing your lips and skin from drying out. According to air quality experts, the ideal humidity range for your home is between 40% and 60%.
5. Visit your dermatologist
Abeyta suggests seeing a dermatologist if you see a yellow or whitish crust at the corners of your mouth, which may indicate a more severe problem.
Kiss those chapped lips goodbye
From the causes and best ways to prevent dry lips, you’re now armed with the knowledge to keep your pout soft and supple. Consistency is vital — make lip care part of your daily routine to embrace healthy, happy lips all year round.