What causes extremely dry lips. How can you effectively heal chapped lips. What are the best dermatologist-recommended treatments for dry lips. Which lip care habits should you adopt for healthier lips. How does environmental factors affect lip health. What role does hydration play in preventing chapped lips. Are there any underlying health conditions that can cause persistent dry lips.

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. Environmental factors, lifestyle habits, and certain medical conditions can all contribute to lip dryness.

Environmental Factors

The environment plays a significant role in lip health. Cold, dry air can strip moisture from your lips, leading to chapping and cracking. Similarly, excessive sun exposure can damage the delicate skin on your lips, causing dryness and peeling. Wind and low humidity levels can also exacerbate the problem.

Lifestyle Habits

Certain habits can contribute to lip dryness. Frequent licking of the lips may seem like a quick fix for dryness, but it actually worsens the problem by removing the natural oils and causing further dehydration. Breathing through your mouth, especially while sleeping, can also dry out your lips.

Medical Conditions

In some cases, persistently dry lips may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Conditions such as dehydration, vitamin deficiencies, and certain autoimmune disorders can manifest as chronically dry lips. If your lip dryness persists despite proper care, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Essential Lip Care Habits for Healthier Lips

Developing a proper lip care routine is crucial for maintaining healthy, moisturized lips. By incorporating these habits into your daily regimen, you can prevent dryness and promote lip health.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Use a humidifier in your home or office to add moisture to the air
• Protect your lips from the sun by using a lip balm with SPF
• Avoid licking your lips, as saliva can further dry them out
• Gently exfoliate your lips once a week to remove dead skin cells

Is exfoliation beneficial for dry lips? When done gently and in moderation, exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and promote smoother, healthier lips. However, over-exfoliating can cause irritation and worsen dryness, so it’s important to be gentle and not overdo it.

Dermatologist-Recommended Treatments for Chapped Lips

Dermatologists have extensive experience in treating dry, chapped lips. Their recommendations often focus on both immediate relief and long-term prevention. Here are some expert-approved treatments:

Moisturizing Lip Balms

Applying a moisturizing lip balm is one of the most effective ways to combat lip dryness. Look for balms containing ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, or petrolatum, which create a protective barrier and lock in moisture.

Overnight Treatments

For intense hydration, consider using an overnight lip mask or applying a thick layer of lip balm before bed. This allows the product to work while you sleep, providing deep moisturization.

Medicated Lip Products

In cases of severe chapping or inflammation, dermatologists may recommend medicated lip products containing ingredients like hydrocortisone or antibiotics. These should be used under professional guidance.

Can natural oils be used to treat dry lips? Yes, natural oils such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil can be effective in moisturizing dry lips. These oils are rich in nutrients and can help soothe and hydrate the delicate skin on your lips.

The Role of Nutrition in Lip Health

Your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy lips. Proper nutrition can help prevent dryness and promote overall skin health, including the sensitive skin on your lips.

Hydration from Within

Drinking an adequate amount of water is essential for keeping your lips hydrated. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day to maintain proper hydration levels throughout your body, including your lips.

Essential Nutrients

Certain nutrients are particularly important for lip health. Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as B-complex vitamins, contribute to skin health and can help prevent dryness. Include foods rich in these vitamins in your diet, such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and whole grains.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain skin moisture and can be beneficial for lip health. Include sources of omega-3s in your diet, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.

Does increasing water intake alone solve dry lip issues? While increasing water intake is beneficial for overall hydration and can help improve lip moisture, it may not be sufficient on its own to resolve persistent dry lip problems. A combination of proper hydration, nutrition, and topical lip care is typically most effective.

Environmental Protection for Your Lips

Protecting your lips from harsh environmental factors is crucial in preventing and treating dryness. By taking proactive measures, you can shield your lips from damaging elements and maintain their health.

Sun Protection

The sun’s UV rays can be particularly harmful to the delicate skin on your lips. Always use a lip balm with SPF when spending time outdoors, even on cloudy days. Reapply regularly, especially after eating or drinking.

Wind and Cold Protection

In windy or cold conditions, cover your mouth with a scarf or face mask to protect your lips from harsh elements. This can help prevent moisture loss and chapping.

Indoor Climate Control

Indoor heating and air conditioning can contribute to dry air, which can affect your lips. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home or office, especially during winter months or in dry climates.

How often should lip balm with SPF be reapplied? For optimal sun protection, lip balm with SPF should be reapplied every 2 hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming, sweating, or wiping your lips. Remember that no lip balm is completely waterproof, so regular reapplication is key.

Addressing Underlying Health Conditions Related to Dry Lips

While environmental factors and lifestyle habits are common causes of dry lips, persistent lip dryness can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health condition. Understanding these potential causes can help in addressing the root of the problem.

Dehydration

Chronic dehydration can manifest as persistently dry lips. This can be due to inadequate fluid intake, certain medications, or medical conditions that affect fluid balance in the body.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Deficiencies in certain vitamins, particularly B vitamins and iron, can contribute to dry, chapped lips. A balanced diet or appropriate supplementation under medical guidance can help address these deficiencies.

Autoimmune Disorders

Some autoimmune conditions, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, can affect the body’s ability to produce sufficient moisture, leading to dry lips and other symptoms.

Allergies and Sensitivities

Allergic reactions or sensitivities to certain lip products, foods, or medications can cause lip dryness and irritation. Identifying and avoiding triggers can help alleviate symptoms.

When should you consult a healthcare professional about dry lips? If your lip dryness persists despite proper care and lifestyle changes, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, swelling, or pain, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can help identify any underlying conditions and provide appropriate treatment.

Advanced Lip Care Techniques and Products

For those dealing with severe or persistent lip dryness, advanced lip care techniques and specialized products can provide additional relief and promote healing.

Lip Masks

Lip masks are intensive treatments designed to deliver a high concentration of moisturizing ingredients to your lips. These can be particularly beneficial for severely chapped lips or as a periodic treatment for maintenance.

Hyaluronic Acid Serums

Hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to hold moisture. Applying a hyaluronic acid serum to your lips before your regular lip balm can provide an extra boost of hydration.

Antioxidant Treatments

Products containing antioxidants like vitamin E or green tea extract can help protect your lips from environmental damage and promote healing.

Prescription Treatments

In some cases, dermatologists may prescribe medicated ointments or creams for severe lip conditions. These might include corticosteroids for inflammation or antibiotics for infections.

Are lip scrubs beneficial for treating dry lips? Lip scrubs can be beneficial when used correctly and in moderation. They can help remove dead skin cells, allowing moisturizing products to penetrate more effectively. However, over-exfoliation can irritate the lips, so it’s important to use gentle scrubs and limit their use to once or twice a week.

Lifestyle Modifications for Long-Term Lip Health

Maintaining healthy lips isn’t just about topical treatments; it also involves making certain lifestyle modifications. By adopting these habits, you can promote long-term lip health and prevent recurring dryness.

Breathing Habits

Breathing through your mouth, especially while sleeping, can contribute to lip dryness. If you’re a habitual mouth breather, consider consulting a healthcare professional to address any underlying causes, such as nasal congestion or sleep apnea.

Dietary Considerations

Certain foods and drinks can contribute to lip dryness. Reduce your intake of salty and spicy foods, which can dehydrate your body. Also, limit consumption of citrus fruits and juices, as their acidity can irritate your lips.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking can significantly contribute to lip dryness and damage. If you smoke, consider quitting or reducing your tobacco use to improve your overall lip health.

Stress Management

Stress can affect your overall health, including your lips. High stress levels can lead to habits like lip biting or licking, which can worsen dryness. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or exercise into your routine.

How does alcohol consumption affect lip health? Alcohol can contribute to dehydration, which can lead to dry lips. It’s advisable to moderate alcohol intake and increase water consumption when drinking alcohol to help maintain lip hydration.

By implementing these dermatologist-recommended tips and making appropriate lifestyle modifications, you can effectively address dry, chapped lips and maintain healthier, more comfortable lips in the long term. Remember, consistent care and attention to your lip health can make a significant difference in preventing and treating dryness.

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.