Many people experience dry, tight, and chapped lips — especially during the coldest months.
If you’re afraid to smile because your lips might crack and bleed, you’re not alone!
The skin on your lips is much thinner than the rest of your face, making it more prone to dryness. While we take great care to protect our bodies from the winter cold, our lips are often forgotten.
With consistent care, you can keep your lips healthy and avoid painful chapping.
Why Do Lips Get So Dry?
According to a report by NHI, there are various reasons why your lips may become dry. These include:
Cold air, wind, and sun exposure can strip moisture from the lips.
Indoor heating creates dry air, which further dehydrates the lips.
Dehydration can worsen dryness—so be sure to drink plenty of water!
Licking your lips only makes them drier, as the moisture evaporates quickly.
Biting or picking at dry skin flakes worsens irritation and slows healing.
Mouth breathing contributes to dryness—try to breathe through your nose instead.
Using a humidifier in your home can help maintain moisture levels in the air and prevent your lips from drying out further.
How to Care for Your Lips
Use a moisturizing lip balm frequently—ideally one with beeswax or petroleum (such as Vaseline) to seal in moisture.
Apply lip balm before going outside in cold, dry weather. If needed, cover your lips with a scarf for extra protection.
Try different lip balms to find one that works best for you.
Avoid scented or flavored lip balms (e.g., menthol, eucalyptus, camphor, or cinnamon) if you have sensitive lips. Some people develop allergies to these ingredients, which can make dryness worse.
Use lip balm with SPF if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Avoid lip balm in jars—dipping fingers repeatedly can introduce bacteria.
Do not share lip balm to prevent the spread of bacteria.
If your lips become swollen, red, or sore and do not improve despite following these tips, you should consult a doctor for further evaluation.
