Are you one of those who constantly deal with dry, chapped lips? It can be annoying to apply lip balm only to find your lips parched and peeling again. The first step to finding a dry lips treatment is understanding the root causes.
By understanding why your lips are dry, you may be able to take practical steps towards the prevention and treatment of the most common issues.
3 Common Causes of Dry Lips
Chapped lips causes can be anything. Knowing them will help you deal with it effectively and eventually have soft, healthy lips.
1. Dehydration
One of the leading causes of dry lips is dehydration. When the body is not well hydrated, signs of dryness start to manifest on the body, firstly on the lips.
They feel tight, flaky, and uncomfortable. Drink plenty of water daily for overall health, which should keep your lips healthy. Drinking at least eight glasses daily, or more if you are active or in hot conditions, is also a dry lips treatment.
Sufficient drinking of water daily is very crucial to make sure the body is hydrated and that the lips remain moist.
2. Environmental Factors
Weather conditions play major cause for ill-health in your lips. Cold and windy conditions will likely strip moisture away from lips, leaving them chapped and sore. Moreover, the hot sun can leave your lips parched and exacerbate the condition.
Protect your lips: While stepping out during sunny days, apply a product with adequate SPF; in colder months, moisturize your lips with our Sweet Comb Chicago lip balm.
3. Vitamin Deficiencies
Dry lips may indicate deficiencies of some vital vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, and zinc. These play a critical role in healthy skin, including lips.
Ensure you are feeding healthily with many fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, not forgetting whole grains. If necessary, supplement your diet for deficient levels.
10 Proven Tips for Treating and Preventing Chapped Lip
1. Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Proper hydration is your first line of defense against dry lips. When your body lacks water, your lips are often the first to show it.
Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Carry a reusable water bottle as a reminder to sip regularly, especially during winter months when indoor heating can increase dehydration.
2. Apply the Right Lip Balm
Not all lip balms are created equal. Look for products containing moisturizing ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, or lanolin.
Sweet Comb Chicago’s Beeswax Lip Balm is particularly effective because beeswax creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture while allowing lips to breathe naturally.
“Avoid using any lip balm, lipstick, or other products that cause discomfort,” advises All Dermatology. If your lips burn or tingle after application, that’s a sign to switch products.
Ingredients to Look For:
- Beeswax
- Shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Vitamin E
- Lanolin
- Hyaluronic acid
3. Exfoliate Gently
Removing dead skin cells can help your lip treatments penetrate more effectively. However, over-exfoliation can worsen dryness.
Create a gentle lip scrub by mixing honey with a small amount of sugar. Apply in circular motions, then rinse off. Limit exfoliation to once weekly to avoid irritation.
4. Protect Your Lips from the Elements
Environmental factors significantly impact lip health. Shield your lips from harsh weather conditions to prevent moisture loss.
Apply lip balm before going outdoors, especially in cold or windy conditions. Consider wearing a scarf that covers your mouth during extreme weather.
Recent studies found that “33% of soldiers experienced moderate to severe chapped lips during hot weather exercises, with lip protectants showing limited effectiveness,” highlighting the importance of consistent protection in all weather conditions.
5. Break the Lip-Licking Habit
While it might seem like licking provides temporary relief, it actually worsens dryness by removing natural oils and exposing lips to digestive enzymes in saliva.
“Don’t lick! It is a totally natural response to lick your lips when they feel dry. However, licking your lips wicks away moisture…” warns Atlanta Medical Dermatology.
Apply lip balm whenever you feel the urge to lick your lips. This creates a healthier habit while providing actual moisture.
6. Use Overnight Treatments
Nighttime application of lip treatments is particularly effective, according to UPMC HealthBeat, which notes that “consistent use of moisturizers, especially before bed, helps lock in hydration.”
Apply a thicker layer of lip balm before sleeping to allow deep penetration overnight. Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air while you sleep.
Effective Overnight Options:
- Beeswax-based balms
- Pure lanolin
- Petroleum jelly
- Honey-infused treatments
7. Check Your Toothpaste
Some toothpaste ingredients, particularly sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), can irritate sensitive lips and contribute to dryness.
Try switching to an SLS-free toothpaste for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference. Be careful not to let toothpaste residue linger on your lips after brushing.
8. Consider Your Diet
Nutritional deficiencies can manifest as dry, cracked lips. Ensure you’re getting adequate B vitamins, iron, and zinc in your diet.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, can help improve skin hydration from the inside out. Stay consistent with a balanced diet for best results.
9. Avoid Irritating Ingredients
Many lip products contain ingredients that can worsen dryness and irritation. Read labels carefully before purchasing.
“Many people mistake discomfort, such as burning, stinging, or tingling, as a sign that the active ingredients in a product are working. That’s not what’s happening. You’re actually irritating your lips,” warns the American Academy of Dermatology.
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Camphor
- Menthol
- Phenol
- Alcohol
- Fragrances
- Flavoring agents
- Salicylic acid
10. Know When to See a Doctor
If your lips remain severely dry despite consistent care, it might indicate an underlying health issue requiring medical attention.
Seek professional help if you experience persistent cracking, bleeding, or extreme discomfort. Conditions like angular cheilitis or allergic reactions may require prescription treatments.
Embrace Natural Solutions
Healing dry lips requires consistency and the right products. Natural ingredients like beeswax provide effective relief by creating a protective barrier while allowing your lips to heal naturally.
Sweet Comb Chicago’s Beeswax Lip Balm offers an ideal solution with its pure, locally sourced beeswax that locks in moisture without harmful additives. By following these tips and incorporating natural lip care into your daily routine, you can enjoy soft, healthy lips year-round.
