How to Get Rid of Chapped Lips: Expert Tips for Prevention and Healing
Chapped lips are uncomfortable and unsightly, but with the right care, they can be soothed, healed, and prevented.
Dry, flaky, or even painfully cracked lips are a common problem—especially during winter months or after sun or wind exposure. Chapped lips aren’t just uncomfortable; they can be difficult to get rid of, and sometimes seem to worsen despite frequent application of lip balms. Understanding what causes chapped lips, the most effective ways to restore hydration and comfort, and how to prevent recurrence is essential for maintaining a healthy and attractive smile. Below, we’ll explore dermatologist-backed advice, proven ingredients, what to avoid, and practical strategies for year-round lip health.
What Causes Chapped Lips?
Lips lack oil glands, making them prone to dryness and quick moisture loss compared to other parts of the skin. Common culprits behind chapped lips include:
- Environmental factors: Cold, dry, or windy weather and sun exposure can quickly dehydrate lips.
- Frequent lip licking or biting: Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips even drier.
- Irritating products: Lipsticks, certain balms, or even toothpaste with harsh ingredients can worsen irritation.
- Medical conditions or medication: Dehydration, allergies, and some medications (like isotretinoin) can increase risk.
Identifying and addressing the root cause is the first step to healing and prevention.
How Can You Get Rid of Chapped Lips?
When your lips are dry or irritated, it’s crucial to stop using any products that might be to blame—especially those containing potential irritants. According to experts, an effective lip care routine to banish chapped lips involves three key steps:
Step 1: Stop the Irritation
Discontinue any product that burns, stings, or worsens the dryness. Some formulas—even those marketed for healing—contain ingredients that can cause or intensify chapped lips in sensitive individuals. Per the American Academy of Dermatology and dermatologists, you should avoid the following in lip products:
- Camphor
- Eucalyptus
- Flavoring: Particularly cinnamon, citrus, mint, or peppermint
- Fragrance
- Lanolin
- Menthol
- Octinoxate or oxybenzone
- Phenol (or phenyl)
- Propyl gallate
- Salicylic acid
These substances may provide a temporary feeling of relief (tingling or cooling), but often aggravate the problem in the long run.
Step 2: Restore and Seal in Hydration
The next aim is to rehydrate and protect your lips. To do this, choose products and home remedies packed with gentle, nourishing ingredients. Dermatologists recommend looking for lip treatments with one or more of the following:
- Castor seed oil
- Ceramides
- Dimethicone
- Hyaluronic acid (for hydration)
- Hemp seed oil
- Mineral oil
- Petrolatum (petroleum jelly, like Vaseline)
- Shea butter
- Sun-protective ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide
- White petroleum jelly
Apply a non-irritating lip balm generously throughout the day and immediately before bed. Regular reapplication keeps moisture locked in and supports natural healing. For persistent chapping, layering a hydrating serum (with hyaluronic acid) beneath a petroleum-based balm is often effective.
Step 3: Protect from UV and Environmental Damage
Lips are susceptible to sunburn, which can lead to even worse dryness and—even over time—increase the risk of skin cancer on this delicate area. Use a lip balm with SPF 15 or greater every day, even when you’re not planning extended outdoor exposure. Dermatologists recommend zinc oxide–based sunblocks, which provide gentle mineral protection without stinging.
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Ingredients to Look for in Lip Care Products
| Beneficial Ingredients | Ingredients to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Ceramides Castor seed oil Hyaluronic acid Petrolatum Mineral oil Shea butter Dimethicone Hemp seed oil Sun-protective minerals (zinc/titanium oxide) | Camphor Eucalyptus Lanolin Menthol Fragrance Salicylic acid Octinoxate or oxybenzone Flavoring (cinnamon, citrus, mint, peppermint) Propyl gallate Phenol |
Best Daily Habits for Healthy, Hydrated Lips
To optimize the moisture and appearance of your lips, follow these evidence-backed habits consistently:
- Apply a gentle, non-irritating lip balm multiple times daily and before sleep. Don’t wait until you feel dryness starting; prevention is more effective.
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration from within is a prime culprit for flaky lips.
- Plug in a humidifier during winter or in dry climates to boost ambient moisture, especially overnight.
- Resist licking, biting, or picking at your lips. These habits may feel soothing but actually worsen irritation and delay healing.
- Avoid holding metallic objects with your lips (like paperclips, jewelry, or pens), which can cause reactions and micro-injuries.
- Shield lips with a scarf or mask during cold, windy, or extra-dry weather to reduce direct exposure.
- Consider dietary factors, such as vitamin deficiency or allergies, if chapping is chronic or persistent despite care.
Common Causes and Triggers: What to Watch Out For
- Weather extremes: Both cold and dry air, as well as heat, can pull moisture from the lips.
- Prolonged sun exposure: Unprotected sun leads to chapping and, over time, can produce dark spots or increase cancer risk.
- Certain foods and drinks: Spicy or acidic foods, citrus juices, and salty snacks can sting or dehydrate the lips.
- Irritating oral care products: Toothpastes with sodium lauryl sulfate or flavoring can contribute to irritation.
- Allergic reactions: Nickel in dental appliances or ingredients in lip products can cause dermatitis.
- Underlying health conditions: Hypothyroidism, vitamin B deficiencies, and inflammatory skin disorders may show up first as persistent lip dryness or inflammation.
Expert-Recommended Lip Care Routine
- Morning: After brushing teeth, gently pat lips dry and apply a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or petroleum-based balm. Use a lip balm with broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher before heading outdoors.
- Daytime: Reapply gentle lip balm after meals, drinks, or whenever lips feel dry. Reapply SPF balm if spending time outside.
- Evening: Remove all lipstick or tint, then layer a hydrating product beneath a thick occlusive balm (such as white petroleum jelly) overnight.
When to See a Dermatologist
Most chapped lips respond well to at-home care and improved habits. However, consider seeking medical advice if you experience:
- Lip sores or cracks that won’t heal after two weeks
- Swelling, severe pain, crusting, or bleeding
- Discoloration, persistent scaling, or new lumps
- Symptoms of allergic reaction or severe irritation
These could indicate infection, an allergy, or a more serious underlying skin or health condition requiring professional attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can chapped lips be a sign of a health problem?
A: Sometimes. Chronic chapped lips may point to allergies, vitamin deficiencies (especially B vitamins), or a skin condition such as eczema or cheilitis.
Q: Are lip scrubs safe to use for chapped lips?
A: Physical exfoliation can worsen irritation if your lips are cracked or inflamed. Only use scrubs sparingly and gently, and never on split or bleeding lips.
Q: How often should I apply lip balm?
A: Apply a non-irritating balm as needed throughout the day—typically every few hours—and always before going to bed.
Q: Are certain people more prone to getting chapped lips?
A: Yes. People with sensitive skin, those with certain medical conditions, and those exposed frequently to harsh weather or environmental factors are at increased risk.
Q: Can sunscreen really make a difference for lips?
A: Absolutely. Lips are vulnerable to sunburn and subsequent chapping. A daily SPF lip balm protects and preserves your lips’ appearance and health.
Quick Reference: Lip Care Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Use fragrance-free, dye-free lip balms with nourishing oils and SPF. Stay hydrated throughout the day. Cover lips during harsh weather. Apply balm before bed. | Use products with menthol, camphor, or fragrance. Pick, bite, or lick your lips. Neglect sun and cold protection. Ignore persistent cracks or sores. |
More Lip Care Resources
- The 13 Best Neck Creams for Women Over 50
- Expert-Recommended Moisturizers for Rosacea
- Best Drugstore Moisturizers for Hydrated Skin
- Benefits of Rosehip Oil for Skin
- Dermatologists Share Common Skincare Mistakes
Take care of your lips and they’ll reward you with a healthy, soft, and beautiful smile every day of the year.
References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/chapped-lips
- https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/a42113968/get-rid-of-chapped-lips/
- https://www.neutrogena.com/the-bar/what-causes-chapped-lips
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002036.htm
- https://www.prevention.com/health/a20516851/14-tips-to-remedy-chapped-lips/
- https://www.prevention.com/health/a65356316/causes-of-dry-lips/
- https://www.prevention.com/health/a20504783/5-things-your-lips-say-about-your-health/
- https://consensus.app/home/blog/chapped-lips-how-to-treat-them/
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