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

by alexxlab

What causes extremely dry lips. How can you effectively heal chapped lips. What do dermatologists recommend for lip care. When should you see a doctor for persistent lip dryness. How can you prevent lip chapping in the future.

Understanding the Causes of Extremely Dry Lips

Dry, chapped lips can be a bothersome and sometimes painful condition that affects many people. To effectively address this issue, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes. Environmental factors, dehydration, certain medications, and medical conditions can all contribute to lip dryness.

Environmental factors play a significant role in lip health. Exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as cold temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, can strip the lips of their natural moisture. Additionally, excessive sun exposure can damage the delicate skin on the lips, leading to dryness and chapping.

Dehydration is another common culprit. When the body lacks proper hydration, it can manifest in various ways, including dry lips. Inadequate water intake, excessive alcohol consumption, and diuretic medications can all contribute to dehydration and, consequently, lip dryness.

Certain medications, particularly those used to treat acne (such as isotretinoin) or high blood pressure, can have side effects that include dry lips. It’s essential to be aware of these potential side effects and discuss them with your healthcare provider if you experience persistent lip dryness while taking medication.

Medical conditions such as angular cheilitis, eczema, or vitamin deficiencies can also lead to chronically dry lips. In some cases, persistent lip dryness may be a symptom of an underlying health issue that requires medical attention.

Essential Tips for Healing Dry, Chapped Lips

Dermatologists offer valuable insights into effectively healing and preventing dry, chapped lips. Here are seven expert-recommended tips to help you achieve and maintain healthy, moisturized lips:

1. Hydrate from the Inside Out

Proper hydration is crucial for overall skin health, including your lips. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to keep your body and lips well-hydrated. Increasing your water intake can significantly improve lip moisture and reduce the likelihood of chapping.

2. Use a Gentle Lip Exfoliator

Exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and promote smoother, healthier lips. However, it’s essential to be gentle to avoid further irritation. Create a homemade lip scrub using equal parts sugar and honey, or invest in a specially formulated lip exfoliator. Use this treatment no more than once or twice a week to avoid over-exfoliation.

3. Apply a Nourishing Lip Balm

Choose a lip balm with moisturizing ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, or natural oils like coconut or jojoba. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid or ceramides, which help lock in moisture. Apply the balm regularly throughout the day, especially before bedtime, to keep your lips consistently hydrated.

4. Protect Your Lips from the Sun

Sun damage can significantly contribute to lip dryness and chapping. Use a lip balm with at least SPF 30 when spending time outdoors, and reapply every two hours or after eating or drinking. This protection is crucial year-round, not just during summer months.

5. Avoid Licking Your Lips

While it may seem counterintuitive, licking your lips actually worsens dryness. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips drier than before. Additionally, digestive enzymes in saliva can irritate the delicate lip skin. Instead of licking, reach for your lip balm when your lips feel dry.

6. Use a Humidifier

Low humidity environments can exacerbate lip dryness. Consider using a humidifier in your home or office to add moisture to the air, particularly during winter months or in air-conditioned spaces. This can help prevent moisture loss from your skin and lips.

7. Be Mindful of Irritants

Some ingredients in lip products or skincare items can irritate sensitive lips. Avoid products containing fragrances, flavors, or harsh chemicals. If you notice irritation after using a particular product, discontinue use and opt for gentler, hypoallergenic alternatives.

The Role of Nutrition in Lip Health

While external care is crucial, the health of your lips also depends on your diet. Certain nutrients play a vital role in maintaining healthy, moisturized lips:

  • Vitamin B: Helps prevent cracking and dryness
  • Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant and promotes healing
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Support skin health and hydration
  • Zinc: Aids in healing and protects against environmental damage

Incorporate foods rich in these nutrients into your diet, such as nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and leafy greens. Consider consulting with a nutritionist or dermatologist for personalized dietary recommendations to support lip health.

When to Seek Professional Help for Lip Concerns

While occasional lip dryness is common and often easily treatable at home, there are instances where professional medical advice is necessary. Consider consulting a dermatologist or healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Persistent dryness that doesn’t improve with home remedies
  • Severe cracking, bleeding, or pain
  • Changes in lip color or texture
  • Swelling or signs of infection
  • Lip dryness accompanied by other skin concerns

A dermatologist can assess your condition, identify any underlying causes, and recommend appropriate treatments, which may include prescription-strength ointments or addressing systemic issues affecting your lip health.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Lip Health

Various lifestyle factors can significantly influence the health and appearance of your lips. Being mindful of these factors and making appropriate adjustments can help prevent and alleviate lip dryness:

Smoking

Smoking not only exposes your lips to harmful chemicals but also reduces blood flow to the skin, leading to dryness and premature aging. Quitting smoking can dramatically improve the health of your lips and overall skin.

Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol intake can lead to dehydration, affecting your entire body, including your lips. Moderate your alcohol consumption and ensure you drink plenty of water to counteract its dehydrating effects.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can impact your body’s ability to maintain healthy skin. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise into your routine to support overall skin health, including that of your lips.

Sleep Quality

Adequate, quality sleep is essential for skin repair and regeneration. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support your body’s natural healing processes, which can help maintain healthy, moisturized lips.

Advanced Treatments for Severely Dry Lips

For cases of severe or persistent lip dryness, dermatologists may recommend more advanced treatments beyond basic lip care. These options can provide relief when conventional methods prove insufficient:

Topical Corticosteroids

In cases of severe inflammation or eczema affecting the lips, a dermatologist may prescribe a short course of topical corticosteroids. These medications can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms, but should only be used under professional guidance due to potential side effects with prolonged use.

Lip Masks

Specially formulated lip masks can provide intensive hydration and nourishment. These products often contain a high concentration of moisturizing ingredients and are designed to be left on for an extended period, allowing for deeper penetration and more effective treatment.

Professional Lip Treatments

Some dermatology clinics offer professional lip treatments such as hydrating lip facials or gentle chemical peels specifically designed for the delicate lip area. These treatments can help exfoliate, hydrate, and rejuvenate severely dry or damaged lips under the supervision of a skincare professional.

Laser Therapy

In some cases, laser treatments may be recommended to address chronic lip dryness or damage. These advanced procedures can help stimulate collagen production, improve circulation, and enhance the overall health and appearance of the lips.

Preventing Future Lip Dryness and Maintaining Lip Health

While treating dry, chapped lips is important, preventing future occurrences is equally crucial. Incorporate these preventive measures into your daily routine to maintain healthy, moisturized lips:

  1. Establish a consistent lip care routine, including regular application of a nourishing lip balm.
  2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
  3. Protect your lips from harsh weather conditions by using a scarf or face covering in cold, windy environments.
  4. Avoid habits that can dry out your lips, such as licking them or breathing through your mouth.
  5. Use a humidifier in your living and working spaces to maintain optimal air moisture levels.
  6. Choose lip products carefully, opting for those with natural, nourishing ingredients and avoiding potential irritants.
  7. Include lip-friendly nutrients in your diet, such as vitamins B and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc.

By following these preventive measures and maintaining awareness of the factors that contribute to lip health, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing dry, chapped lips in the future.

The Connection Between Lip Health and Overall Well-being

The condition of your lips can often serve as an indicator of your overall health and well-being. Chronic lip dryness or recurring issues may signal underlying health concerns that warrant attention:

Nutritional Deficiencies

Persistent lip dryness or cracking may indicate deficiencies in certain vitamins or minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, or zinc. A comprehensive blood test can help identify any nutritional imbalances that may be affecting your lip health.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during menopause or thyroid disorders, can impact skin health, including the lips. If you suspect hormonal factors may be contributing to your lip concerns, consult with an endocrinologist or your primary care physician.

Autoimmune Conditions

Some autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren’s syndrome or lupus, can affect the body’s ability to produce adequate moisture, leading to dry lips and other symptoms. If you experience persistent dryness along with other unusual symptoms, seek medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions.

Allergies and Sensitivities

Chronic lip irritation or dryness may be a sign of allergies or sensitivities to certain foods, medications, or environmental factors. Consider keeping a journal to track potential triggers and discuss your findings with an allergist or dermatologist.

By addressing lip health concerns and considering their potential connections to overall well-being, you can take a more holistic approach to your health and potentially uncover important insights about your body’s needs.

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.