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

by alexxlab

What causes extremely dry lips. How can you effectively heal chapped lips. What are the best dermatologist-recommended treatments for dry lips. Why do lips become dry and cracked. How can you prevent lip dryness and chapping.

Understanding the Causes of Extremely Dry Lips

Dry, chapped lips can be a persistent and uncomfortable problem for many people. Understanding the root causes of this condition is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Here are some of the primary factors that contribute to extremely dry lips:

  • Dehydration
  • Environmental factors (wind, cold, sun exposure)
  • Frequent licking of lips
  • Certain medications
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Allergic reactions
  • Medical conditions (e.g., yeast infection, eczema)

Does dehydration really affect your lips? Absolutely. When your body lacks sufficient water, it can lead to dryness in various areas, including your lips. Drinking adequate water throughout the day can help maintain lip hydration from the inside out.

The Role of Environmental Factors in Lip Dryness

Environmental conditions play a significant role in the health of your lips. Exposure to harsh weather elements can strip the lips of their natural moisture, leading to dryness and chapping. Here’s how different environmental factors affect your lips:

Wind and Cold

Cold, windy weather can be particularly harsh on lips. The wind accelerates moisture evaporation, while cold temperatures can cause the skin to become dry and cracked. To protect your lips in these conditions, consider using a scarf or face covering and applying a thick, protective lip balm.

Sun Exposure

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the delicate skin on your lips, leading to dryness, burning, and even an increased risk of skin cancer. How can you protect your lips from sun damage? Use a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher, and reapply it regularly when spending time outdoors.

The Impact of Habits on Lip Health

Certain habits can exacerbate lip dryness and chapping. One of the most common culprits is frequent lip licking. While it may provide temporary relief, licking your lips actually worsens the problem in the long run. Here’s why:

When you lick your lips, saliva evaporates quickly, taking with it the natural oils that help keep your lips moisturized. This leaves your lips even drier than before. Additionally, the enzymes in saliva can irritate the delicate skin on your lips, leading to further discomfort and chapping.

To break the habit of lip licking, try to be conscious of when you do it and replace the behavior with applying a moisturizing lip balm instead. This will provide the relief you’re seeking without the negative consequences.

Medications and Nutritional Factors Affecting Lip Dryness

Certain medications and nutritional deficiencies can contribute to dry, chapped lips. Understanding these factors can help you address the root cause of your lip problems:

Medications That Can Cause Dry Lips

  • Retinoids (used for acne treatment)
  • Lithium (used for bipolar disorder)
  • Chemotherapy drugs
  • Diuretics
  • Antihistamines

If you suspect that your medication is causing dry lips, consult with your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your dosage or recommend alternative treatments.

Nutritional Deficiencies

A balanced diet is essential for overall skin health, including your lips. Deficiencies in certain nutrients can lead to dry, chapped lips. Key nutrients for lip health include:

  • B vitamins (especially B2, B3, and B6)
  • Iron
  • Zinc
  • Essential fatty acids

Ensuring you get adequate amounts of these nutrients through your diet or supplements can help improve lip health. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Allergic Reactions and Medical Conditions Affecting Lips

In some cases, dry and chapped lips may be a symptom of an underlying allergic reaction or medical condition. Understanding these potential causes can help you seek appropriate treatment:

Allergic Reactions

Allergic contact cheilitis is an inflammation of the lips caused by an allergic reaction to substances that come into contact with the lips. Common allergens include:

  • Lip balms or cosmetics
  • Toothpaste ingredients
  • Food allergens
  • Certain metals (e.g., nickel in jewelry)

If you suspect an allergic reaction, try to identify and eliminate the potential allergen. If symptoms persist, consult with an allergist or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Medical Conditions

Several medical conditions can manifest as dry, chapped lips. These include:

  • Angular cheilitis (yeast infection at the corners of the mouth)
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
  • Psoriasis
  • Sjögren’s syndrome

If your lip dryness is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Dermatologist-Recommended Treatments for Dry, Chapped Lips

Dermatologists have extensive experience in treating dry, chapped lips. Here are seven expert-recommended tips to help heal and protect your lips:

  1. Use a non-irritating lip balm or ointment: Look for products containing ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, or glycerin. These help seal in moisture and protect the lips from environmental factors.
  2. Apply lip balm frequently: Reapply lip balm throughout the day, especially after eating or drinking.
  3. Choose a lip balm with SPF: Protect your lips from sun damage by using a lip balm with at least SPF 15.
  4. Avoid flavored lip balms: Flavored products may tempt you to lick your lips more often, exacerbating dryness.
  5. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain overall hydration.
  6. Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help prevent lip dryness, especially during dry winter months.
  7. Gently exfoliate: Once a week, use a soft toothbrush or a lip scrub to remove dead skin cells, then immediately apply a moisturizing lip balm.

How often should you apply lip balm? For best results, apply lip balm at least 3-4 times a day, and more frequently if you’re in harsh environmental conditions or if your lips feel particularly dry.

Natural Remedies for Dry Lips

In addition to dermatologist-recommended treatments, several natural remedies can help soothe and heal dry, chapped lips:

Honey

Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps attract and retain moisture. It also has antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection in cracked lips. Apply a thin layer of raw honey to your lips before bed and rinse off in the morning.

Coconut Oil

Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, coconut oil can help moisturize and protect your lips. Apply a small amount of virgin coconut oil to your lips several times a day.

Aloe Vera

Known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera can help relieve dry, chapped lips. Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to your lips as needed.

Cucumber

Cucumber slices can help cool and hydrate your lips. Place a slice of cucumber on your lips for a few minutes, then apply a moisturizing lip balm.

While these natural remedies can be effective, it’s important to note that they may not work for everyone. If your lip dryness persists or worsens, consult with a dermatologist for professional advice.

Prevention Strategies for Maintaining Healthy Lips

Preventing dry, chapped lips is often easier than treating them. Here are some strategies to help maintain healthy, moisturized lips:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
  • Protect your lips from harsh weather conditions with a scarf or face covering
  • Use a humidifier in your home or office to add moisture to the air
  • Avoid licking your lips
  • Choose non-irritating, fragrance-free lip products
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for skin health
  • Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth to prevent lip dryness

Can diet really affect lip health? Absolutely. A diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as essential fatty acids, can help promote overall skin health, including your lips. Include foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, and fatty fish in your diet to support lip health from the inside out.

By understanding the causes of dry lips and implementing these prevention strategies, you can maintain soft, healthy lips year-round. Remember, if your lip dryness persists despite these measures, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist to rule out any underlying medical conditions and receive personalized treatment recommendations.

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.

Take our test to see if your skin is getting enough moisture.

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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.

Back to index

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.