Dry lips (Chapped Lips)
Why do I have dry lips?
Dry, cracked, or chapped lips are common and often caused by environmental or chemical irritants. Cold, dry air (especially in the winter and in the mountains), frequent lip licking, chemicals in lip products, and sunburns all contribute. Certain medications, like isotretinoin (Accutane), can also dry out the lips.
Dry lips can be painful and frustrating—they may crack, peel, or even bleed. Licking them often worsens the problem, and winter’s low humidity makes dryness more severe. Some lip balms, even natural or organic ones, can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
How do I fix dry or chapped lips?
To heal dry or chapped lips, frequent moisturizing is key:
A urea-based lip balm (e.g., Flexitol Lip Balm) works best - seriously.
Apply a thick, bland moisturizer like Vaseline or Aquaphor several times a day.
Apply a generous layer at bedtime for overnight healing.
Avoid licking your lips—saliva contains enzymes that can worsen dryness.
For irritated or red lips, apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% ointment or cream a few times daily, then cover with Vaseline or Aquaphor. Some lip balms (FixMySkin, Dr. Dan’s) also contain hydrocortisone for added relief.
Can lips get sunburned?
Yes—lips can burn just like the rest of your skin. Protect them by:
Applying a lip balm with SPF (preferred over regular sunscreen, which often tastes bad).
My favorites: Elta MD UV Lip Balm or Tizo Lip Protectant. Aquaphor and other brands also make effective options.
What if my dry lips aren’t getting better?
The steps above help most people improve dry, chapped lips. Painful cracks at the corners of the mouth are called perleche. Dry lips can also result from sensitive skin, allergies to lip products, or underlying skin conditions. If over-the-counter options aren’t working, stronger topical treatments or patch testing can help. Look for a board-certified dermatologist in your area. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah or me virtually with Honeydew.
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