Dry, cracked lips are a common complaint, especially when the weather turns cold and dry. You might think chapped lips are just a winter nuisance, but they can actually occur year-round. Understanding why your lips become chapped is the first step to achieving a soft, healthy pout.
While it might seem like dry lips are something you just have to endure until warmer weather arrives, the truth is, you can have smooth, supple lips any time of year. Dermatologists offer valuable insights into the causes of and solutions for chapped lips.
- Identify and Avoid Irritating Lip Products
It’s crucial to pay attention to the products you apply to your lips, including lip balms and lipsticks. Many people mistakenly believe that a burning, stinging, or tingling sensation from a lip product indicates that it’s working effectively. However, these sensations are often signs of irritation. If a product causes discomfort, it’s likely aggravating your chapped lips and hindering healing.
Ingredients to Steer Clear Of When Lips Are Chapped: To help your chapped lips recover, discontinue using lip products that contain any of the following potentially irritating ingredients:
- Camphor
- Eucalyptus
- Flavorings: Especially cinnamon, citrus, mint, and peppermint, as these can be particularly harsh on dry, chapped lips.
- Fragrance
- Lanolin
- Menthol
- Octinoxate or oxybenzone
- Phenol (or phenyl)
- Propyl gallate
- Salicylic acid
Beneficial Ingredients for Healing Chapped Lips: While some ingredients can worsen chapped lips, others can promote healing. When selecting lip products for chapped lips, dermatologists recommend looking for those that include one or more of these helpful ingredients:
- Castor seed oil
- Ceramides
- Dimethicone
- Hemp seed oil
- Mineral oil
- Petrolatum
- Shea butter
- Sun-protective ingredients, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide
- White petroleum jelly
Opting for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products is also beneficial. If you experience burning, stinging, or any discomfort when applying a lip product, discontinue use immediately, as it indicates irritation.
- Regularly Apply Non-Irritating Lip Balm
Make it a habit to apply a non-irritating lip balm or lip moisturizer multiple times throughout the day, especially before bedtime. For severely dry and cracked lips, consider using a thick ointment like white petroleum jelly. Ointments create a more effective moisture barrier than waxes or oils, helping to lock in hydration for longer periods.
- Protect Lips with SPF Lip Balm Outdoors
Sun exposure can significantly exacerbate chapped lips, even in winter. It’s essential to shield your lips from the sun’s harmful rays year-round. Sunburned, chapped lips are more susceptible to damage and can even trigger cold sores.
To protect your lips, use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you go outside. Look for lip balms that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which are effective sun-protective ingredients. Reapply your SPF lip balm every two hours when you are outdoors, especially during prolonged sun exposure.
- Stay Hydrated by Drinking Plenty of Water
Dehydration is a major contributor to dry skin, including chapped lips. Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day to keep your body and lips hydrated from the inside out. Proper hydration is fundamental for overall skin health and can significantly improve lip moisture.
- Break Habits That Dry Out Lips
Avoid licking, biting, and picking at your lips. When your lips feel dry, it’s a natural instinct to lick them for moisture. However, this habit actually worsens dryness. As saliva evaporates, it takes moisture away from your lips, leaving them even drier than before.
Picking or biting your lips can also cause irritation and prevent healing. These habits can damage the delicate skin of your lips, prolonging discomfort and potentially leading to further cracking or even infection.
Breaking the lip-licking habit can be challenging. When you find yourself licking your lips, consciously replace the habit with applying a non-irritating lip balm instead. This will provide actual hydration and protection, rather than temporary and damaging moisture.
- Avoid Metal Contact with Lips
Be mindful of holding metal objects with your lips. Items like paperclips, jewelry, and other everyday metal products can irritate sensitive lips. The metal can cause contact dermatitis or simply further dry out already chapped lips.
- Use a Humidifier at Home
Consider using a humidifier, especially in your bedroom. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can be particularly beneficial during dry winter months or in dry climates. Using a humidifier at night is especially helpful if you tend to breathe through your mouth while sleeping, as this can contribute to lip dryness.
By consistently following these dermatologist-recommended tips for managing chapped lips, you should see noticeable improvement within 2 to 3 weeks. To prevent chapped lips from recurring, continue to apply lip balm regularly, whenever your lips feel dry, whether you are indoors or outdoors.
When Is It Time to See a Dermatologist?
In most cases, these self-care measures will effectively heal chapped lips within 2 to 3 weeks. However, if your chapped lips don’t improve within this timeframe, or if they worsen, it’s advisable to consult a board-certified dermatologist.
Persistent chapped lips could be a symptom of an underlying issue unrelated to dry weather. Allergic reactions, yeast infections, or even more serious conditions can manifest as dry and uncomfortable lips. Actinic cheilitis, for example, is a precancerous condition that can cause lips to become dry and scaly. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose the cause of your persistent chapped lips and recommend appropriate treatment.
Seeking Expert Care for Skin, Hair, or Nail Concerns?
For any concerns related to your skin, hair, or nails, a board-certified dermatologist is the most qualified expert to provide the best care and accurate diagnosis.
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