Why do lips become dry and chapped. How can you prevent and treat dry lips effectively. What are the best dermatologist-recommended products for lip care. When should you see a doctor for persistent lip dryness.

Understanding the Causes of Dry and Chapped Lips

Dry and chapped lips are a common problem that many people face, especially during colder months or in dry climates. To effectively address this issue, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes.

Environmental Factors Contributing to Lip Dryness

Environmental conditions play a significant role in lip health. Cold weather, low humidity, and exposure to harsh winds can strip moisture from your lips, leading to dryness and chapping. Indoor heating during winter months can also contribute to a dry atmosphere, exacerbating the problem.

Behavioral and Lifestyle Factors

Certain habits and lifestyle choices can contribute to lip dryness. These include:

• Frequent licking of lips
• Breathing through the mouth
• Dehydration
• Smoking
• Excessive sun exposure

Can medications cause dry lips? Yes, certain medications, particularly those used to treat acne (such as isotretinoin) or antihistamines, can lead to dryness of the lips as a side effect.

The Anatomy of Lips and Why They’re Prone to Dryness

To better understand why lips are so susceptible to dryness, it’s important to consider their unique anatomy.

Lip Structure and Composition

Lips are covered by a thin layer of skin that lacks the protective elements found elsewhere on the body. They don’t have oil glands, which are responsible for producing sebum, a natural moisturizer. Additionally, lips have fewer cell layers compared to regular skin, making them more delicate and prone to damage.

The Role of Saliva

While saliva plays a crucial role in digestion and oral health, it can be detrimental to lip health when applied excessively. Contrary to popular belief, licking your lips doesn’t moisturize them. Instead, it can lead to further dryness as saliva evaporates quickly, taking natural oils with it.

Essential Tips for Preventing Dry Lips

Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining healthy, moisturized lips. Here are some essential tips recommended by dermatologists:

Hydration and Diet

Proper hydration is crucial for overall skin health, including your lips. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and lips hydrated from the inside out. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin B and iron, can also contribute to healthier lips.

Protective Measures

Shielding your lips from harsh environmental factors is essential. Use a scarf or face mask to protect your lips from cold winds in winter. Apply a lip balm with SPF before sun exposure to prevent damage from harmful UV rays.

Humidification

Using a humidifier in your home or office can help maintain optimal moisture levels in the air, preventing your lips from drying out due to low humidity.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Chapped Lips

When prevention isn’t enough and you find yourself dealing with dry, chapped lips, these treatment strategies can help restore moisture and promote healing:

Gentle Exfoliation

Removing dead skin cells can help your lips absorb moisture more effectively. However, it’s crucial to exfoliate gently to avoid further irritation. How can you safely exfoliate your lips? Use a soft, damp washcloth or a lip scrub specifically designed for this purpose, and limit exfoliation to once a week.

Proper Application of Lip Balm

Applying lip balm correctly is key to its effectiveness. Choose a balm with nourishing ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or natural oils. Apply a thick layer before bed to allow for overnight healing, and reapply throughout the day as needed.

Avoiding Irritants

Certain ingredients in lip products can actually worsen dryness and irritation. Steer clear of flavored lip balms, which may tempt you to lick your lips more often. Also, avoid products containing potential irritants such as menthol, camphor, or fragrances.

Dermatologist-Recommended Products for Lip Care

Dermatologists often recommend specific products that are particularly effective in treating and preventing dry lips. Here’s a look at some top choices:

Occlusive Ointments

Products like Vaseline or Aquaphor are highly recommended by dermatologists for their ability to create a protective barrier on the lips, locking in moisture and promoting healing.

Medicated Lip Balms

For severely chapped lips, medicated balms containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides can provide intensive moisture and promote faster healing.

Natural Alternatives

Some dermatologists also recommend natural options like coconut oil or lanolin for those who prefer organic products. These can be effective moisturizers, but it’s important to ensure you’re not allergic to these ingredients before use.

When to Seek Professional Help for Lip Problems

While most cases of dry lips can be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical advice is necessary.

Persistent Dryness

If your lips remain dry and chapped despite consistent care and the use of recommended products, it may be time to consult a dermatologist. Persistent dryness could be a sign of an underlying condition or a reaction to a product you’re using.

Signs of Infection

Watch for signs of infection such as severe cracking, bleeding, or the formation of pus. These symptoms require immediate medical attention to prevent complications.

Allergic Reactions

If you experience swelling, redness, or itching after using a new lip product, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.

The Connection Between Lip Health and Overall Wellness

The condition of your lips can often be an indicator of your overall health status. Understanding this connection can help you address not just lip dryness, but potentially other health concerns as well.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Chronic dry lips can sometimes be a sign of nutritional deficiencies. For instance, a lack of B vitamins, particularly B2 (riboflavin), can lead to cracked lips. Iron deficiency anemia can also manifest as dry, chapped lips.

Dehydration Indicators

Dry lips are often one of the first signs of dehydration. If you’re experiencing persistent lip dryness along with other symptoms like dark urine or fatigue, it might be an indication that you need to increase your fluid intake.

Autoimmune Conditions

In some cases, chronic lip dryness can be associated with certain autoimmune conditions. For example, Sjögren’s syndrome, which affects moisture-producing glands, can cause dry lips along with dry eyes and mouth.

Advanced Treatments and Future Innovations in Lip Care

As dermatological research advances, new treatments and innovations in lip care are emerging. These cutting-edge approaches offer hope for those struggling with persistent lip dryness and related issues.

Lip Masks and Intensive Treatments

Inspired by the popularity of face masks in skincare routines, lip masks are gaining traction as an intensive treatment for dry lips. These products, often infused with hyaluronic acid, collagen, and other nourishing ingredients, are designed to be left on the lips for an extended period, providing deep hydration and repair.

Nanotechnology in Lip Care

Nanotechnology is making its way into lip care products, allowing for better penetration of active ingredients. Nanoparticles can deliver moisturizing and healing agents deeper into the lip tissue, potentially offering more effective and longer-lasting results.

Personalized Lip Care Solutions

The future of lip care may lie in personalization. Some companies are exploring the possibility of custom-formulated lip balms based on individual skin types, environmental factors, and specific lip concerns. This tailored approach could revolutionize how we treat and prevent lip dryness.

Are there any potential drawbacks to these advanced treatments? While these innovations show promise, it’s important to note that they may come with a higher price tag and, in some cases, may require more research to fully understand their long-term effects. As with any new skincare product or treatment, it’s advisable to consult with a dermatologist before incorporating them into your routine, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions.

The Psychological Impact of Lip Health

The condition of our lips can have a significant impact on our self-esteem and social interactions. Understanding this psychological aspect can provide additional motivation for maintaining healthy lips.

Self-Esteem and Confidence

Chapped, dry lips can affect one’s confidence, particularly in social situations. Smooth, healthy lips are often associated with overall attractiveness and youthfulness. When lips are dry or cracked, it may lead to self-consciousness and a reluctance to engage in activities like public speaking or intimate interactions.

Social Perception

Research has shown that people tend to focus on the mouth area during conversations. Dry, chapped lips might be perceived as a sign of poor health or self-care, potentially affecting how others perceive us in professional and personal settings.

Stress and Anxiety

The discomfort associated with dry lips can be a source of stress and anxiety. Constant awareness of lip discomfort can be distracting and may even lead to nervous habits like lip-biting or excessive licking, which further exacerbate the problem.

How can addressing lip health contribute to overall well-being? By taking care of your lips, you’re not just addressing a physical issue, but potentially boosting your confidence and reducing stress related to appearance. This holistic approach to lip care acknowledges the interconnection between physical health and psychological well-being.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Approaches to Lip Care

As environmental consciousness grows, many people are seeking sustainable and eco-friendly options for their skincare routines, including lip care. Here’s how you can maintain healthy lips while being mindful of your environmental impact:

Reusable and Biodegradable Packaging

Look for lip balms and treatments that come in recyclable or biodegradable packaging. Some brands offer refillable lip balm containers, reducing plastic waste. Glass or metal containers are also good alternatives to traditional plastic tubes.

Natural and Organic Ingredients

Opt for lip care products made with natural, organic ingredients. These are not only better for your skin but often have a lower environmental impact in their production. Ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and plant-based oils are effective moisturizers that are also environmentally friendly.

DIY Lip Care Solutions

Creating your own lip care products at home can be both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Simple ingredients like honey, coconut oil, and sugar can be combined to make effective lip scrubs and balms. This approach allows you to control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary packaging.

Can homemade lip care products be as effective as store-bought ones? While many homemade solutions can be highly effective, it’s important to research recipes carefully and be aware of any potential allergies or sensitivities to ingredients. For severe or persistent lip issues, professionally formulated products or medical advice may still be necessary.

By adopting these eco-friendly approaches to lip care, you can maintain healthy, moisturized lips while also contributing to environmental sustainability. This mindful approach aligns personal care with broader environmental concerns, offering a satisfying way to take care of both yourself and the planet.

7 dermatologists’ tips for healing dry, chapped lips

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Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors

Chapped Lips: Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors

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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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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 nutrition . 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.

Contouring with Surgiderm 24XP

But not in all cases, dry lips can be dealt with only with the help of cosmetics or correction of nutrition, habits. If you have age-related dryness, and as a result, a loss of splendor, volume and wrinkles on the lips, we advise you to use the possibilities of contouring.

Several injections of Surgiderm 24XP will help to correct excessively thin or asymmetrical lips, filling them with moisture from the inside. The drug is based on high viscosity hyaluronic acid, so the filler is perfect for creating volume.

8 causes and what to do about dry lips

Contents

• Causes of dry lips
• Lip care features
• Precautions
• Vitamins for dry lips
• Lip Care Review

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 organism. 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 Features

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

Regular exfoliation

There are now 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 skin of the 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 include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fatty fish, nuts, vegetable oils) in 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.”

Vitamin manufacturers understand this and honestly warn that results should be expected after a few months of taking, and not after the first capsule. If the skin has become dry and grayish in tone, 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 soothes irritation in the mouth area thanks to panthenol MP-lipids.