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Cause of extremely dry lips. 7 Dermatologist-Approved Tips for Healing Dry, Chapped Lips

by alexxlab

How can you effectively heal dry, chapped lips. What causes extremely dry lips. Which remedies do dermatologists recommend for treating chapped lips. How to prevent lips from becoming dry and cracked.

Understanding the Causes of Extremely Dry Lips

Dry, chapped lips can be a persistent and uncomfortable problem for many people. To effectively address this issue, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes. Several factors contribute to the development of extremely dry lips:

  • Dehydration
  • Excessive sun exposure
  • Cold, windy weather
  • Frequent licking of lips
  • Certain medications
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Medical conditions

Dehydration is one of the primary culprits behind dry lips. When your body lacks sufficient water, it affects all your organs, including your skin. The delicate skin on your lips is particularly susceptible to drying out when you’re not properly hydrated.

Excessive sun exposure can damage the sensitive skin on your lips, leading to dryness, cracking, and even sunburn. The lips have minimal melanin, the pigment that helps protect skin from UV rays, making them more vulnerable to sun damage.

Cold, windy weather can strip moisture from your lips, leaving them dry and chapped. This is why lip problems often worsen during winter months or in harsh climates.

Frequently licking your lips might seem like a quick fix for dryness, but it actually exacerbates the problem. As saliva evaporates, it takes moisture from your lips with it, leaving them even drier than before.

The Role of Nutrition in Lip Health

Your diet plays a significant role in the health of your lips. Certain nutritional deficiencies can contribute to dry, chapped lips:

  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
  • Iron
  • Zinc

A deficiency in any of these nutrients can manifest as dry, cracked lips. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in these vitamins and minerals can help maintain healthy lips from the inside out.

Iron deficiency anemia, in particular, can cause a condition called angular cheilitis, which results in painful cracks at the corners of the mouth. If you suspect a nutritional deficiency, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Dermatologist-Recommended Treatments for Chapped Lips

Dermatologists have extensive experience in treating dry, chapped lips. Here are some of their top recommendations:

  1. Use a gentle lip scrub to remove dead skin cells
  2. Apply a thick, emollient lip balm or ointment
  3. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
  4. Protect your lips from sun damage with SPF
  5. Avoid licking your lips
  6. Use a humidifier in dry environments
  7. Consider over-the-counter hydrocortisone for severe cases

Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells that contribute to the appearance of dry, flaky lips. However, it’s important not to overdo it, as excessive scrubbing can irritate the delicate lip skin.

Applying a thick, emollient lip balm or ointment creates a barrier that locks in moisture and protects your lips from environmental factors. Look for products containing ingredients like petrolatum, beeswax, or shea butter.

The Importance of Sun Protection for Lips

Sun protection is crucial for maintaining healthy lips. The skin on your lips is thin and lacks melanin, making it highly susceptible to sun damage. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to dryness, cracking, and even increase the risk of skin cancer on the lips.

How can you effectively protect your lips from sun damage? Here are some key strategies:

  • Use a lip balm with at least SPF 15
  • Reapply sunscreen to your lips every two hours
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat for additional protection
  • Avoid peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm) when possible

When choosing a lip balm with SPF, opt for broad-spectrum protection that guards against both UVA and UVB rays. Some natural oils, like coconut oil, offer minimal sun protection but shouldn’t be relied upon as your sole defense against UV damage.

Hydration Techniques for Combating Dry Lips

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining soft, supple lips. While drinking enough water is crucial, there are additional strategies you can employ to keep your lips hydrated:

  • Use a humidifier in your home or office
  • Apply a hydrating lip mask overnight
  • Choose lip products with hydrating ingredients
  • Avoid matte lipsticks that can be drying

A humidifier can add moisture to the air, which is particularly beneficial in dry climates or during winter when indoor heating can strip moisture from the air and your skin.

Overnight lip masks can provide intense hydration while you sleep. Look for masks containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, providing deep, long-lasting hydration.

Natural Remedies for Chapped Lips

While medical treatments are effective, many people prefer natural remedies for treating chapped lips. Here are some dermatologist-approved natural options:

  • Honey
  • Coconut oil
  • Aloe vera
  • Cucumber slices
  • Green tea bags

Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. It also has antibacterial properties that can help heal cracked lips. Apply a thin layer of raw honey to your lips and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and has antimicrobial properties. It can help moisturize and protect your lips. Simply apply a small amount of organic, unrefined coconut oil to your lips as needed.

Aloe vera gel can soothe and hydrate dry lips. It’s particularly beneficial if your lips are sunburned. Use pure aloe vera gel or carefully extract the gel from an aloe leaf and apply it to your lips.

When to Seek Professional Help for Lip Issues

While most cases of dry, chapped lips can be treated at home, there are instances when you should consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider:

  • Persistent dryness that doesn’t respond to home treatments
  • Severe cracking or bleeding
  • Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus)
  • Changes in lip color or texture
  • Persistent peeling or scaling

These symptoms could indicate an underlying medical condition such as allergic contact dermatitis, eczema, or in rare cases, precancerous changes. A dermatologist can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

If you’re experiencing chronic dry lips along with other symptoms like dry eyes or dry mouth, it could be a sign of an autoimmune condition called Sjögren’s syndrome. In such cases, it’s crucial to seek medical attention for a comprehensive evaluation.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Dry Lips

Prevention is often the best cure when it comes to dry, chapped lips. By making some simple lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this uncomfortable condition:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
  • Use a humidifier in your home, especially during dry seasons
  • Avoid habits that can dry out your lips, such as licking or biting them
  • Protect your lips from harsh weather conditions with a scarf or face mask
  • Choose lip products carefully, avoiding those with irritating ingredients
  • Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals

Staying hydrated is crucial for overall skin health, including your lips. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and more if you’re physically active or in a hot climate.

When choosing lip products, look for those labeled “hypoallergenic” and free from potential irritants like fragrances, flavors, and dyes. Some people may be sensitive to common lip balm ingredients like menthol or camphor, which can cause further irritation.

Incorporating foods rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can help maintain healthy skin and lips. Consider adding foods like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and fatty fish to your diet.

The Impact of Medications on Lip Health

Certain medications can contribute to dry lips as a side effect. Some common culprits include:

  • Retinoids (often used for acne treatment)
  • Antihistamines
  • Diuretics
  • Some blood pressure medications
  • Chemotherapy drugs

If you suspect that your medication is causing dry lips, don’t stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend alternative treatments to manage this side effect.

For those using retinoids, it’s especially important to protect your lips. Apply a thick layer of lip balm before applying the retinoid, and consider using a gentler formulation or reducing the frequency of use if lip dryness persists.

The Role of Lip Balm Addiction in Chronic Dry Lips

While lip balms are essential for treating dry lips, some people develop a habit of overusing them, leading to what’s colloquially known as “lip balm addiction.” This isn’t a true addiction in the medical sense, but rather a cycle of dependency that can exacerbate lip dryness.

How does lip balm overuse contribute to chronic dry lips? When you apply lip balm frequently, your lips may become accustomed to the extra moisture. As the balm wears off, your lips may feel dry, prompting you to reapply. This cycle can lead to a perceived need for constant application.

To break this cycle:

  • Choose lip balms with nourishing ingredients rather than those that provide temporary relief
  • Gradually reduce the frequency of application
  • Focus on addressing underlying causes of dry lips, such as dehydration or environmental factors
  • Consider switching to a different lip balm if you suspect sensitivity to certain ingredients

Remember, while lip balms are beneficial, they should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to lip care, not as a sole solution.

The Connection Between Gut Health and Lip Condition

Emerging research suggests a connection between gut health and skin conditions, including the state of your lips. The gut-skin axis is a bidirectional relationship between your digestive system and your skin.

How might gut health affect your lips? An imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) can lead to inflammation throughout the body, potentially manifesting as skin issues, including dry or irritated lips. Additionally, poor gut health can impact nutrient absorption, potentially leading to deficiencies that affect lip health.

To support both gut and lip health:

  • Consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut
  • Incorporate prebiotic foods to feed beneficial gut bacteria
  • Stay hydrated to support digestive function
  • Consider a probiotic supplement after consulting with a healthcare provider
  • Reduce intake of processed foods and added sugars

While more research is needed to fully understand the gut-lip connection, maintaining a healthy gut through diet and lifestyle choices may contribute to overall skin health, including that of your lips.

The Impact of Environmental Factors on Lip Health

Environmental factors play a significant role in the health of your lips. Understanding these influences can help you take proactive steps to protect your lips:

  • Climate: Dry, cold, or windy weather can strip moisture from your lips
  • Altitude: Higher altitudes often have drier air and stronger UV radiation
  • Indoor environments: Heating and air conditioning can reduce air humidity
  • Pollution: Air pollutants can irritate and dry out lip skin

To combat these environmental challenges:

  1. Use a lip balm with SPF when outdoors, even on cloudy days
  2. Cover your mouth with a scarf in cold, windy conditions
  3. Use a humidifier indoors, especially during winter months
  4. Stay hydrated when traveling to high altitudes
  5. Consider using an antioxidant-rich lip product to combat pollution effects

By being aware of these environmental factors and taking appropriate precautions, you can maintain healthier lips regardless of your surroundings.

The Role of Lip Anatomy in Dryness and Chapping

Understanding the unique anatomy of your lips can provide insight into why they’re prone to dryness and chapping. Unlike the rest of your skin, lips have some distinct characteristics:

  • Thin skin: Lip skin is much thinner than the skin on other parts of your body
  • No oil glands: Lips lack sebaceous glands that produce natural oils
  • Few melanocytes: Lips have minimal melanin, offering little natural sun protection
  • High blood flow: The reddish color of lips comes from visible blood vessels

These anatomical features contribute to the lips’ vulnerability to environmental stressors and their tendency to dry out quickly. The lack of oil glands means lips can’t produce their own moisturizing oils, making them reliant on external sources of hydration.

To compensate for these anatomical factors:

  1. Use lip products that mimic the natural lipid barrier
  2. Reapply moisturizing products frequently throughout the day
  3. Be extra diligent with sun protection for your lips
  4. Avoid irritating ingredients that can disrupt the delicate lip skin

By understanding and working with your lips’ unique anatomy, you can provide them with the specific care they need to stay healthy and hydrated.

7 dermatologists’ tips for healing dry, chapped lips

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Chapped Lips: Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors

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Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — By Kristeen Moore — Updated on April 25, 2023

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Cracked lips can occur more often when the weather is dry. Hydrating and using a humidifier may help. You can also get chapped lips due to other causes, such as dehydration and vitamin deficiencies.

Chapped, or cracked, lips is the term commonly used to describe dry lips. Chapped lips can be caused by several factors, that include:

  • weather
  • excessive licking of the lips
  • certain medications

Chapped lips are a common condition that only occurs for most people. But some people may develop a more severe form of chapped lips called cheilitis. Cheilitis can be caused by an infection, characterized by cracked skin at the corners of the lips.

You can usually treat dry lips with simple treatment and preventive measures. If your lips continue to be severely dry and cracked, you should consider make an appointment with a dermatologist.

You may experience any of the following symptoms on or around your lips:

  • dryness
  • flaking
  • scales
  • sores
  • swelling
  • cracks
  • bleeding

Lips don’t contain oil glands like other parts of the skin. This means lips are more susceptible to drying out and becoming chapped (cracked). Lack of moisture can make the problem worse, whether it’s weather-induced or related to a lack of self-care.

Little humidity in the air during the winter months is known to cause chapped lips. Frequent sun exposure in the summer can also worsen your condition.

Another common cause of chapped lips is habitual licking. Saliva from the tongue can further strip the lips of moisture, causing more dryness.

Everyone can get chapped lips, particularly if they have dry skin.

Taking certain medications can also increase your risk of developing chapped lips. Medications and supplements that can cause chapped lips include:

  • vitamin A
  • retinoids (Retin-A, Differin)
  • lithium (commonly used to treat bipolar disorder)
  • chemotherapy drugs

People who are dehydrated or malnourished are also more likely to have chapped lips than other people. Call your doctor if either of these are associated with your chapped lips—dehydration and malnutrition are both serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Cheilitis

If the severe dryness and cracking doesn’t improve with self-care, you should see a dermatologist. Cheilitis is often to blame for severely chapped lips. This is a condition marked by cracked skin at the mouth corners and several cracks on your lips.

If you have this condition, your lips may:

  • be dark pink or red in color
  • have a lumpy texture
  • develop ulcers
  • have white plaques on the surface

Cheilitis is often attributed to infections and inflammatory diseases, such as Crohn’s disease. Dental trauma and excessive saliva production may also turn a regular case of chapped lips into cheilitis. Bacteria can enter through the cracks and cause infection. Adults and children who have orthodontic braces, wear dentures, or use pacifiers are all susceptible to developing cheilitis.

A dermatologist can determine whether your dry lips are simply chapped or if you have cheilitis.

Dehydration and malnutrition

Dry lips can also be caused by dehydration or malnutrition. Dehydration causes symptoms including:

  • lightheadedness
  • constipation
  • decreased urine production
  • dry mouth
  • headache

In severe cases, a person suffering from dehydration may experience low blood pressure, fever, rapid breathing, or a rapid heartbeat.

Malnutrition is characterized by many of the same symptoms as dehydration. Additional symptoms can include:

  • muscle weakness
  • decaying teeth
  • bloated stomach
  • bone fragility

Malnutrition can be caused by vitamin deficiencies, so those on limited diets (for example, vegetarians) need to make sure that they are getting enough of the vitamins they need.

People with alcohol addiction are also more susceptible to malnutrition due to vitamin deficiencies because excessive alcohol use can interfere with the body’s vitamin absorption. Older adults are also at higher risk for malnutrition because decreased appetite is common.

If you suspect you are dehydrated or malnourished, see your doctor right away.

Chapped lips can usually be treated at home. The first step is to make sure that your lips have enough moisture. This can be accomplished by:

  • applying lip balm throughout the day
  • drinking more water
  • using a humidifier at home
  • avoiding cold weather conditions or wrapping your mouth with a scarf

Sun exposure can also cause chapped lips, especially as you age. Apply a lip balm that contains a minimum SPF 15 before heading outdoors. The balm helps to moisturize the lips and the sunscreen minimizes further drying effects.

Last medically reviewed on December 11, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

  • Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Dehydration: Definition.
    mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/definition/con-20030056
  • Devani A. (2007, June). Answer: Can you identify this condition?
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1949217/
  • Gibson LE. (2016). Chapped lips: What’s the best remedy?
    mayoclinic.com/health/chapped-lips/AN01440

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Apr 25, 2023

Written By

Kristeen Moore

Edited By

Heather Hobbs

Dec 11, 2017

Medically Reviewed By

Christine Frank, DDS

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Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — By Kristeen Moore — Updated on April 25, 2023

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8 causes and what to do about dryness

Contents

  • Causes of dry lips
  • Lip care features
  • Precautions
  • Vitamins for dry lips
  • Lip care product overview

Causes of dry lips

Lips are a zone of increased vulnerability. Thin skin is devoid of fatty tissue, prone to premature aging and quickly responds to changes in the state of the body and external conditions.

“There are many reasons for dry lips, but the main one is weather conditions. For example, cold wind or sudden changes in temperature.

Dry lips can be caused by many factors.

  • Sunburn. In the summer, we don’t even notice that the skin of our lips receives hefty doses of ultraviolet radiation.

  • Great thirst. You can check for yourself: coffee drinkers who drink little water and a lot of cappuccino have chapped lips.

  • Increased body temperature during illness. It is no coincidence that the most famous recommendation of doctors is to drink as much water as possible when you feel unwell.

  • Intoxication of the body. During poisoning, the body experiences an acute shortage of moisture, which cannot but affect the condition of the skin of the lips.

  • Strong stress and habit of licking lips. Without noticing it, we provoke dryness by licking or biting our lips.

  • Allergy to cosmetics. The reaction to the lipstick that is not suitable for you will not be slow to manifest itself in the form of peeling of the skin of the lips.

  • Lack of vitamins. Rigid diets, vegetarianism and other reasons for the rejection of animal products rich in fat-soluble vitamins do not affect the condition of the skin of the lips in the best way.

  • Bad habits. Constant contact with an absorbent cigarette filter deprives lip tissue of already deficient lipids.

“Dry lips can be a symptom of a serious condition. For example, the only sign of early stage diabetes or kidney disease. If neither lip balm nor taking vitamin E helps, immediately see a doctor,” warns Ekaterina Turubara, Vichy medical expert .

Causes of dry lips include weather, UV radiation, bad habits, diseases © iStock

Signs of dry lips:

  1. 1

    feeling of tightness and sensation of heat;

  2. 2

    peeling;

  3. 3

    discomfort;

  4. 4

    cracks on the lips and “zaed” in the corners of the lips.

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Lip care tips

To keep your lips soft, smooth and well hydrated, you need to take care of them.

Regular exfoliation

Now there are special scrubs for lips. But even if such a remedy is not at hand, honey or a damp thick towel will do.

To avoid injury to the delicate skin of the lips, do not apply too much pressure when applying the product.

Moisturizing and nourishing

In the composition of balms, hygienic lipsticks and creams for very dry lips, look not for Vaseline (it is appropriate only in a protective product), but for waxes. The best of them are vegetable: unlike bee, they rarely cause allergic reactions. Also useful are natural oils and vitamins, especially fat-soluble ones (E, F, provitamin A). In summer, the SPF factor becomes an essential component.

Lip balm should always be at hand: in your purse, desk drawer, in the bathroom.

Decorative lipsticks, even with precious exotic plant extracts, are not lip care products. Before lipstick, you need to apply a nourishing balm, especially if the lipstick has a matte finish.

Balanced drinking regimen and proper nutrition

Drink plenty of clean water and add foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, nuts, vegetable oils) to your diet.

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Precautions

Some preventive measures will help you avoid dry lips. All recommendations start with NOT. What can’t be done?

  • Remove make-up from lips with soap or a tissue. To do this, use special products labeled “for removing makeup from the eyes and lips.”

  • Use long-lasting lipstick in severe frost. This is a direct road to dryness and flaking.

  • Smoking. Cigarette smoke dries out the thin skin of the lips, and the mimicry of the lip area when smoking provokes the appearance of purse-string wrinkles around the mouth.

  • Going outside in cold weather without protective balm.

  • Ignore lip cosmetics with SPF in summer (especially during beach holidays).

Exfoliate your lips regularly with a scrub © iStock

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Vitamins against dry lips

Speaking of dry lips, it would be wrong to say that the cause of this condition lies in the inevitable seasonal lack of vitamins. Shops and farmers’ markets sell foods rich in vitamins and minerals throughout the year.

Nevertheless, beriberi is a phenomenon familiar to many. Usually encountered:

  • vegans and vegetarians;

  • 90,002 people on strict weight loss diets;

  • people with diseases of the digestive system.

“Integumentary tissues, including those of the lips, are nourished according to the residual principle, because the body first distributes nutrients between the internal organs,” explains Ekaterina Turubara. “So the skin and hair are the first to suffer from beriberi.”

In the same way, the intake of dietary supplements will first fill the needs of the internal organs, and only after a few months the nutrients will reach the epidermis.”

Manufacturers of vitamins understand this and honestly warn that it is necessary to wait for the result after a few months of taking it, and not after the first capsule. If the skin has become dry and grayish, first pay attention to pharmaceutical preparations containing vitamins A, E, D and F.

L’Oréal Paris

Enriched with hyaluronic acid extract, antioxidants and vitamin E, this formula moisturizes and protects lips from chapping.

Lip Gloss Paradise, L’Oréal Paris

Intensely moisturizes throughout the day, stimulates collagen synthesis, increases lip volume.

Moisturizing and nourishing balms

Cicaplast Lip Balm, La Roche-Posay

Heals chapped lips and relieves irritation in the mouth area thanks to panthenol MP-lipids. Suitable for both adults and children.

Nutritic Levres Nourishing Lip Balm, La Roche-Posay

Stick balm with lipids and ceramides fights against the signs of aging, reducing wrinkles, softening and moisturizing the skin of the lips.

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Why do lips dry?

Dryness and flaking of the lips is an embarrassing and unpleasant defect that causes constant discomfort. It is difficult to enjoy communication when it hurts to laugh and talk.

Moreover, discomfort can be exacerbated at the most inopportune moment: during walks, while eating. Of course, you can moisturize your lips with cosmetics around the clock to relieve soreness, but this is only a temporary solution that does not eliminate the problem itself.

We advise you to understand the reasons that cause dry lips in you and to address them. And in order for the skin of the lips to recover sooner, you can use the recommendations and help of our cosmetologists.

Causes of dry lips

First of all pay attention to your diet . Lack of healthy fats, deficiency of vitamins and microelements in the diet can cause cracks in the corners of the lips, cause dry skin. Add nuts, avocados, red fish and butter to your diet – these foods are rich in healthy fats. To compensate for the deficiency of vitamins and trace elements, drink a course of multivitamins.

Not only nutritional deficiencies cause dry lips. The correct drinking regime is also important , as well as what kind of water you drink. Peeling of the delicate skin of the lips can occur if you abuse soft drinks or drink little water. In this case, just drink enough and preferably warm water. A glass of warm water with honey and lemon is a great start to the day. Start with this ritual every morning and you will quickly notice an improvement.

If food and drinking regimen is in order, analyze the microclimate in rooms where you spend the most time (at work and at home, for example). The air in the rooms should not be too dry. If the humidity is low, use humidifiers to bring it back to normal. Sufficiently humidified air not only favorably affects the condition of the skin, but also protects the mucous membranes from viruses.

Finally, dryness of the lips can cause a tendency to constantly lick the lips. This habit interferes especially strongly in cold weather in autumn and winter. Because of it, peeling first occurs, and then dry crusts may appear, which in no case need to be torn off or touched by hands.

Hydrafacial and gentle exfoliation with UltraCeuticals

To cope with the peeling of sensitive lips, we recommend using professional medical cosmetics from the Australian brand UltraCeuticals.

All brand cosmetics are distinguished by a high concentration of nutrients and vitamins (A, B, C, etc.). In addition, the method of delivering these nutrients to the layers of the dermis is also unique. The UltraCeuticals line includes products for both gentle, painless exfoliation and deep nourishment for damaged skin.