8 Causes of Chapped Lips—and How to Address Them
Dealing with chapped lips can be frustrating, but understanding the root causes can help you manage and prevent them. Experts highlight that the unique biology of our lips is partially to blame. “Lips are naturally more prone to dryness because they have fewer oil glands compared to other areas of the body,” explains Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist.
In addition to their natural structure, there are numerous external factors that can lead to dry, cracked lips. Below, Dr. Engelman and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick break down common causes of chapped lips and how you can effectively treat and prevent them.
1. Environmental Factors
Dr. Engelman notes that our lips are frequently exposed to harsh elements such as dry air, wind, and extreme temperatures. Prolonged exposure can cause significant damage to the delicate skin on our lips.
How to Fix It:
Dr. Engelman advises selecting a quality lip balm and using it consistently. “The key to combating dry lips is keeping them moisturized and protected,” she says, recommending products without harsh or drying ingredients. Dr. Garshick also suggests using a humidifier during winter months to add moisture to the air and reduce overnight dryness.
2. Sun Exposure
According to Dr. Garshick, prolonged sun exposure without SPF protection can lead to a condition known as actinic cheilitis—a precancerous condition characterized by dry, scaly, and sometimes crusted lips.
How to Fix It:
Protect your lips from the sun by using a lip balm with SPF. “Remember to apply SPF on your lips even during the winter months before going outdoors, and reapply frequently,” Dr. Garshick advises.
3. Constant Lip Licking
For frequent lip lickers, here’s the bad news: your saliva might actually be making your lips drier. “Our lips are often exposed to saliva, which contains the digestive enzyme alpha-amylase that can break down the skin,” explains Dr. Engelman. “This is one reason why licking your lips isn’t an effective way to rehydrate them.”
How to Fix It:
“Stop licking your lips,” advises Dr. Engelman. She recommends applying a high-quality lip balm consistently throughout the day to keep lips hydrated and soft, which can help reduce the compulsion to lick them.
4. Irritating Ingredients
Certain lip products can contain ingredients that cause dryness rather than alleviating it. “Some lipsticks, glosses, and balms contain ingredients that can dry out the lips,” notes Dr. Engelman. Ingredients such as menthol, phenol, and camphor, which are used for exfoliating, plumping, or cooling effects, can actually dry out the lips. Additionally, products with added fragrances or preservatives may trigger chapping in some individuals.
How to Fix It:
If you notice that a lip product is causing dryness, stop using it and switch to one that is more suitable for chapped lips. If you can’t part with a specific lip gloss or product, consider using a moisturizing lip balm as a barrier before application.
5. Contact Dermatitis
Dr. Garshick explains that with all the different substances our lips come into contact with, it’s possible for chapped lips to be caused by contact dermatitis—a reaction to certain products used on or around the mouth. This could be due to an allergic response to a lip product.
How to Fix It:
If you suspect an allergy, Dr. Garshick suggests patch testing to identify any ingredients causing a reaction. Persistently chapped lips, even when using a moisturizer, might benefit from identifying potential allergens. Allergic and irritant reactions can often be treated with topical steroid creams to reduce inflammation.
6. Vitamin Deficiencies
While not as common, Dr. Garshick notes that some cases of chapped lips may be due to internal factors, such as a vitamin deficiency. “Deficiencies in vitamins, such as zinc, can lead to dry or chapped lips,” she explains, adding that this can be diagnosed with a blood test.
How to Fix It:
If you suspect a vitamin deficiency is to blame, Dr. Garshick advises consulting with a physician or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis before trying any at-home remedies.
7. Products
The products you use on your lips may be causing dryness (looking at you, matte lipsticks). Fragrances and alcohol, common in some lip products, can dry and irritate the skin. Lips are more sensitive than other areas of your skin due to their thinner structure and lack of oil glands, making them more susceptible to irritation.
How to Fix It:
Consider switching out matte lipsticks for hydrating glosses and opting for products without harsh chemicals. Dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban recommends steering clear of products with irritants such as menthol or peppermint, which can worsen dryness or irritation.
8. Mouth Breathing
If you’ve ever experienced chapped lips during a stuffy nose, it’s likely due to mouth breathing. Breathing through your mouth causes saliva to coat your lips, which leads to irritation and dryness. Mouth breathing is especially common during sleep or when dealing with a cold.
How to Fix It:
Make a conscious effort to breathe through your nose when possible, especially when ill or if mouth breathing has become a habit. If you breathe through your mouth while sleeping, you may want to try using mouth tape, an adhesive strip worn over the mouth to prevent nighttime mouth breathing. Dr. Marina Gonchar recommends VIO2 Unscented Mouth Tape for this purpose.
The Final Takeaway
For many people, dry, cracked lips are a frequent issue. However, the underlying causes can differ from person to person. Environmental factors, such as prolonged exposure to wind, cold temperatures, or constant sun exposure, are common culprits. Meanwhile, underlying health issues like allergies or vitamin deficiencies can also play a role. To restore and maintain healthy, hydrated lips, focus on using a moisture-rich lip balm and avoiding products with irritating ingredients. If your chapped lips persist or worsen despite these efforts, consulting a medical professional is recommended for proper care and advice.
