10 Effective Strategies to Combat Dry Lips

Lips play a vital role in eating, speaking, whistling, and kissing, but how much do you truly understand about them? Did you know they are delicate and have thin skin? This isn’t an insult; it’s simply a biological truth.

Human skin consists of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and a layer of subcutaneous fat. The stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, acts as a shield against bacteria, moisture loss, heat, and light. However, the skin on our lips is significantly thinner than the skin on the rest of our body—in fact, it’s four to five times thinner than the skin on our face [source: Chan]. Additionally, the absence of sweat glands and hair follicles on our lips means they lack the natural protection that other parts of our body enjoy.

Managing dry, chapped lips can be challenging. They are highly sensitive to environmental factors and our own habits. Maintaining their softness and smoothness might feel like an ongoing struggle, but we’ve compiled 10 effective tips to keep your lips looking lovely and full.

10: Avoid the Elements

A key approach to preventing dry lips is steering clear of common environmental triggers. While it’s not always feasible to stay indoors during bright, cold, or windy weather, doing so can make a significant difference. Dry air strips away any remaining moisture, and lips, being more delicate than other skin areas, are especially prone to damage. Additionally, the sun plays a major role—lips, lacking sufficient melanin, are highly vulnerable to the sun’s intense rays and the resulting sunburns.

Harsh weather can be relentless, so if you decide to venture outdoors, take precautions. Don’t leave your lips exposed to the cold. For instance, use a scarf to cover your face from the wind or wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect against the sun—whatever it takes to minimize your lips’ exposure to extreme conditions.

9: Balms: Serious Lip Service

No anti-dry lip strategy is complete without a trusty lip balm. These little wonders can soothe even the most parched lips by creating a protective layer between your lips’ delicate membranes and the external environment, ensuring essential moisture stays locked in.

Apply lip balm sparingly—avoid using too much, as it might encourage you to lick off the excess, which we’ve already established is counterproductive. Additionally, opt for a lip balm with at least SPF 15. Lips are highly sensitive to sunlight and require ample protection to prevent worsening chapping.

8: Use the Right Kind of Lip Balm

You know you need lip balm, but which one? If you believe the only variation among lip care products is flavor, think again. Some balms contain ingredients that could undermine your hydration efforts—and it’s not the fruity taste causing the issue.

Certain lip balms include ingredients like phenols or peppermint oil, which help remove flaky, dry skin from your lips. While these components are excellent for exfoliation, they don’t provide much hydration. By stripping away natural oils, they leave your lips feeling dry, prompting you to reapply balm repeatedly. This creates a cycle that might feel like an addiction, though it’s simply a habit. Moisturizing balms, on the other hand, combat dryness without exacerbating it.

Select the most nourishing balm available—look for ingredients like petrolatum, beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, or oils such as almond or jojoba to seal in moisture and protect your lips. For severely dry lips, choose a balm with synthetic ceramides, which help restore the lips’ natural barrier. For optimal protection, pick an oil-based balm that includes sunscreen.

7: Stop Licking Your Chops

While licking your lips might seem like a quick fix for dryness, it actually worsens the problem. Lips lack the protective outer layer found on most skin, so applying moisture that evaporates almost instantly creates a cycle that rapidly dries out your lips.

There’s another downside to lip licking—saliva, despite its clear and watery look, isn’t as harmless as it appears. As part of the digestive process, saliva contains enzymes that break down food. These same enzymes, while useful for digesting a juicy burger, can also start breaking down the delicate skin of your lips. Biting your lips is equally harmful, as it can damage and weaken their sensitive tissue.

6: Avoid These Ingredients

Did you realize that everyday products like toothpaste might be causing your lips to chap? It’s worth taking a closer look at what you’re using.

Toothpaste and other oral care items often contain sodium lauryl sulfate (a foaming agent found in cleansers and shampoos) and guaiazulene (a coloring agent), both of which can irritate the skin and cause dermatitis in some individuals. Even lip balms can include potential irritants. Studies show that around 25 percent of people tested for mouth-area rashes or allergies reacted to common ingredients in lip balms, lipsticks, and cosmetics [source: Castelo-Soccio]. If you’re worried about allergens, watch out for phenyl salicylate (salol) or propyl gallate, which are known to cause contact allergies and may be present in your lip products.

Allergies and sensitivities aren’t limited to synthetic ingredients—natural and plant-based components can also cause issues. For instance, lanolin, a common emollient, can worsen eczema. Added fragrances and flavors in lipsticks and balms, such as menthol, cinnamon, citrus, and mint, may also trigger allergic reactions.

5: Don't Be a Mouth Breather

Mouth breathing is another habit to avoid, as it exacerbates dryness much like lip licking does. Any moisture that reaches your lips will quickly evaporate if you continuously breathe through your mouth.

Keep your mouth closed and let your nose handle breathing—it’s designed for that purpose. Your nose filters impurities, warms, and moistens the air, making it easier for your lungs to process. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, can lead to issues like dry mouth, sleep apnea, and bad breath.

4: Exfoliate Your Kisser

If you’re already exfoliating your face or body regularly for smoother skin, don’t forget to give your lips the same attention.

Exfoliation helps eliminate the dry, flaky skin that accumulates on chapped lips, revealing softer, smoother skin beneath. You can exfoliate your lips by gently using a damp washcloth, a soft toothbrush, or a specialized lip scrub to remove dead skin. Some lip balms also aid in exfoliation, thanks to ingredients like phenol, which not only kills germs but also helps shed dry skin. Salicylic acid, another exfoliant found in skincare products and some lip balms, is effective too. Additionally, look for lip balms containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which exfoliate and help lock in moisture.

3: Wet Your Whistle

We’ve emphasized how easily lips lose moisture, so let’s discuss how to replenish it. Staying hydrated is key—aim for about eight glasses of water daily to maintain balanced moisture levels. Keep in mind: Thirst is a sign you’re already dehydrated.

However, especially during cold winter days, drinking water alone may not prevent dry lips. Indoor heating can dry out the air, so using a humidifier is a smart move. Keeping indoor humidity between 30 to 40 percent during winter helps keep your skin comfortable and can revive even the driest lips.

2: Take Your Vitamins

While hydration ensures your lips are moisturized from within, sometimes chapped or cracked lips stem from a vitamin deficiency. The B-complex vitamins, particularly niacin (B3) and riboflavin (B2), play a crucial role in maintaining skin health and improving its ability to retain moisture.

Leafy greens like spinach, Swiss chard, green beans, and collard greens are excellent sources of niacin, while riboflavin is abundant in dairy products and almonds. For healthy skin—and lips—maintaining a balanced diet is essential. If you find it challenging to consume enough fruits and vegetables daily, consider adding a multivitamin to your routine.

1: When All Else Fails, See a Doctor

If your cracked lips persist despite your efforts, consulting your primary care physician, dermatologist, or dentist can help identify the root cause of the persistent dryness.

Your doctor will explore various possibilities, which may include allergy testing for metals, dyes, or common ingredients in skincare and lip products. They might also check for vitamin deficiencies. Additionally, they can diagnose underlying conditions like precancerous issues, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, or medications that may cause dryness as a side effect.