Dealing with Chapped Lips? Here is what you need to know
By Puteri Syafeeqa | May 19th, 2025
Dry, cracked lips can be more than just irritating, they can sting, peel, and even bleed; and yet, no matter the reason, many of us find ourselves battling chapped lips more often than we like. From biting winds to sneaky ingredients in your lip balm, the culprits are everywhere.
Why are our lips so vulnerable in the first place? Unlike the rest of your skin, your lips do not have oil glands to keep them moisturized, making them easy targets for dryness. However, with the right habits and a little know-how, you can keep your lips soft, smooth, and flake- free all year long!
How To Prevent Chapped Lips
1. Do not Lick Your Lips
It might feel like you are giving them a little moisture, but licking your lips actually makes things worse. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips drier than before, and sometimes even more irritated.
2. Avoid Flavoured Lip Balms
They may taste great, but flavoured lip balm can tempt you to lick. More licking can lead to dryness. It is recommended to stick to unscented or unflavoured balms in order to break the cycle.
3. Use Lip Balm with SPF
If you are heading out in the sun, protect your lips just like you would your skin. A balm with built in SPF can help prevent dehydration and the peeling that often follows.
4. Cover Up in Harsh Weather
Cold, windy air can zap the moisture right out of your lips. Wrapping a scarf around your mouth when it is chilly out helps lock in moisture and shield your skin from the elements.
5. Hydrate Inside and Out
Dry indoor air, especially in winter, can dry out your skin and lips. Use a humidifier to keep moisture in the air and drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated from within.
But…. Your lips are already chapped? Here is How to Treat Dry Lips
1. Gently Exfoliate
Flaky, peeling lips? A gentle exfoliation can help, but just do not overdo it. Use a soft sugar scrub or a damp washcloth to buff away dead skin, and always follow up with moisturizer for lips such as balms or ointments.
2. Always Moisturize
The key to healing chapped lips is sealing in moisture. Look for balms or ointments with beeswax, petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or cocoa butter. Slather on a thick layer before bed for overnight relief.
Along with all the tips above, be sure to drink enough water daily to stay hydrated. If your lips just won’t heal, or if they are constantly cracked and painful, there could be an underlying issue like a skin condition or an infection. Do not wait, see a dermatologist to get to the root of the problem.
Most of the time, a little awareness and a few smart habits are all it takes to keep your lips healthy, hydrated, and happy. Prevention is the key, and now you have got all the tools to keep dry lips in check.
