October 26, 2022

5 Tips for Getting Rid of Chapped Lips

Winter is coming, so give the delicate skin on your lips some extra TLC

Parent applying lip balm to child.

Winter can be challenging even for people who love cold weather. After all, nobody likes shoveling out their driveway at 5 a.m. or wearing three layers of clothing just to make a quick trip to the store.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

But winter can be an especially brutal time of the year for your lips, which can get chapped, dry and cracked.

“The cold weather has a significant effect on our body, and that includes our lips,” says dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD.

Why do my lips get chapped or dry?

It’s no surprise that winter weather might cause chapped lips. The combination of cold air and chilling wind outside — and dry, heated air inside — all conspire to make your lips dry and tight.

And when you go outside, you might not think about lip protection right away.

“Keep in mind that when you go out into the cold, you may take steps to cover the rest of your body,” notes Dr. Piliang. “But too often, your mouth is one of the last things you cover. Sometimes, you might not even do it at all, leaving your lips exposed to those harsher winter conditions.”

Plus, your lips aren’t the same skin type as the rest of your face and body.

“Lips are a special type of skin that is very thin and delicate — which means they really do require some extra TLC,” says Dr. Piliang. “Our lips dry out 10 times faster than the rest of the skin on our face, so it’s really important to use extra protection.”

Advertisement

Remedies for chapped lips

Luckily, there are multiple measures you can take to fix chapped lips, as well as healthy habits you can adopt to keep your lips smooth and healthy all winter long. Here are six tips to follow:

Choose the right lip balm

First things first, what you put on your lips matters. And the first “chapstick” you pick up may not be able to cut it in some cases. Here are some tips on picking the right lip balm to soothe your lips:

Use a lip balm that’s ointment-based

When browsing the pharmacy aisles, look for a healing ointment that contains petrolatum, essential oils or glycerin. This remedy will lock in the moisture and help heal cracks and splits in your skin.

Stay away from lip balms containing camphor, eucalyptus and menthol

These ingredients initially feel soothing, but they actually dry out your lips and make the problem worse. When your lips become drier and irritated, you apply more of this kind of lip balm, and then the cycle continues.

Make sure your lip balm contains sunscreen

Another important ingredient in lip balm is sunscreen. Despite the colder temperatures, the sun still shines in the winter. Your lips can still get burned and are more susceptible to burning than the rest of your face, as the skin is thinner and more delicate.

Stay hydrated

Dehydration may be a related reason why your lips are feeling dry. Drinking plenty of water is known to be good for your skin — and this includes your sensitive lips.

Don’t lick your lips

When your lips are dry, it’s natural to want to lick them to make them moist. But licking your lips actually has the opposite effect. “Once you put saliva on your lips, it actually makes them dry out faster, making your lips even more dry overall,” Dr. Piliang states. “Plus, the enzymes that are in saliva that are meant to digest food are irritating to the lips.”

Advertisement

Don’t bite, brush or rub your lips

You may also feel the need to get rid of that pesky, irritating feeling that flaking and peeling cause — after all, it feels so much better when your lips are smooth! But try to resist that urge.

“It’s much better not to scrub your lips or pick the peeling skin off with your teeth or your fingers,” Dr. Piliang advises. “That just creates cracks and sores on your lips and can make things worse. Instead, apply a very heavy ointment-based balm that will be soothing and will help to heal your lips.”

Treat chapped lips right away

When it comes to treating chapped lips, time is of the essence!Treat severe peeling and cracks right away. If you let chapped lips go, they can become worse, possibly infected or may even lead to a cold sore. For example, the herpes simplex virus has a tendency to attack when your immune system is down, which can happen more frequently in the winter. And when your lips are peeling, cracking and dry, it doesn’t help the situation, creating an environment more ideal for that annoying invader.

How to prevent chapped lips

Getting into the habit of adding lip protection to your morning, bedtime and outdoor routine is the way to go. “Buy a couple of balm or ointment sticks and place one by your bed, and carry one in your bag or car so you’ll always have it on hand,” recommends Dr. Piliang. Also, consider using a humidifier at night if the air in your house is dry from your heat or heater.

And be especially sure to apply lip balm before you go to bed every night. Many people sleep with their mouths open. Eight hours of breathing in and out through your mouth can seriously dry out your lips — and lip balm can help a great deal.

Related Articles

Person lifting up their sweater, showing ostomy bag in mirror's reflection
December 6, 2023
Adjusting to Life With an Ostomy Bag: What To Expect

It can be hard to get used to the bags, but the freedom they provide is worth the challenge

Happy caucasian woman hiking in forest
December 6, 2023
Forest Bathing: What It Is and Its Potential Benefits

Immersing yourself in nature can improve both your mental and physical health

Woman looking in mirror and pulling skin until wrinkles disappear
December 6, 2023
Should You Add Collagen Supplements to Your Skin Care Routine?

Though popular with influencers and celebrities, there’s little research to back up claims that they work

A vaccine syringe in front of a passport for international travel.
December 5, 2023
Which Vaccines Are Required To Travel?

Plan early — getting the right vaccines can help you stay healthy on your travels

Person overheated lying on chair on the beach; heart rythym next to him
December 5, 2023
How the Heat Can Affect Your Heart

Sizzling temperatures force your heart to work much harder

nocovaine needle entering mouth with dental mirror
December 4, 2023
How Long Does Novocaine Last?

The numbness and tingling should wear off in about two hours

bearded man sitting crosslegged holding clock in one hand, calendar in other
December 4, 2023
Are Bare Minimum Mondays Good for Your Mental Health?

Rethinking your Mondays might make the ‘Sunday scaries’ a thing of the past

A sad couple standing on each side of a large broken heart
December 4, 2023
Yes, You Can Die From a Broken Heart — But No, It’s Not Likely at All

The emotional toll of loss and other strong emotions can have life-threatening physical effects

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad