Chapped lips are characterized by dryness, and for some, cracked skin on the lips. Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D., board-certified dermatologist from the Mayo Clinic, reports that most people get chapped lips at some point. The most common causes of chapped lips include exposure to wind, sun, cold weather or dry air; breathing with your mouth open; licking your lips frequently; dehydration; and irritants or allergens found in cosmetics, skin care products and the environment.
Step 1
Apply a lip balm or lubricating cream that is oil-based before going outside. Look for products containing petrolatum or beeswax
Step 2
Cover your mouth with a scarf on cold days. This will help keep your lips protected from the wind and low temperatures.
Step 3
Drink water throughout the day to keep your skin and lips hydrated.
Step 4
Use a humidifier in your bedroom and other rooms in your home that you spend a lot of time in.
Step 5
Consult your doctor if you do not see an improvement or if your chapped lips worsen after two or three days. Discuss using prescription-strength hydrocortisone
Tips and Warnings
- Use a lip balm with sunscreen to protect your lips from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Dermatologist Audrey Kunin, M.D., suggests using lip balm before chapped lips set in, especially in the winter.
- Licking your lips will make your chapped lips worse. Avoid using a flavored lip balm since it can encourage you to lick your lips more often. Acidic beverage like orange juice can worsen your symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Lip balm or lubricating cream for lips
- Scarf (optional)
- Humidifier (optional)
Member Comments