9 Mistakes You Don't Realize Are Making Your Lips Dry and Chapped

Chapped lips may feel like an unavoidable winter weather nuisance, but you don’t have to deal with the literal pain. Turns out, there are all sorts of things we inadvertently do to exacerbate a dry, scaly pout and some simple tweaks can make all the difference.

“Lip skin is fundamentally different from ‘regular’ skin, and several factors make lips more at risk for dryness or chapping,” says Elle H. de Moll, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Canaan, Conn. “There are fewer sebaceous or oil-producing glands in the lip skin, and the top layer of the skin—the stratum corneum which helps with skin protection—is thinner than in other parts of the body. Finally, there are fewer ceramides, a protein that helps naturally moisturize our skin.”

Not only is this area more prone to dryness, but certain habits can make things way worse. We asked pros to give it to us straight, and they offered up a thorough list of common mistakes that cause or worsen chapped lips.
1. Lip Balms with Fragrance or Menthol
Even the best formulas are soured by the inclusion of heavy fragrances (including menthol), which can irritate the lips and make dryness worse, notes Emme Diane Burg, a licensed esthetician. She says that if you’re routinely applying lip balm but finding that your lips aren't getting better, this could be the issue.

2. Forgetting SPF
Speaking of SPF formulas, choosing a product with sun protection can make all the difference between a healthy, moisturized pout and one that’s struggling. “Sun damage can contribute to dryness and chapping, so you always want to shield the most delicate skin with protection,” says holistic esthetician Tammy Fender. Aim for at least an SPF 15 and reapply as needed.

3. Dehydration
Not drinking enough water can affect your whole body, but since the lips don’t have oil glands they are particularly prone to dehydration-induced dryness. “Ensure you’re drinking enough water daily—ideally half your body weight in ounces,” says Burg. “You can also consider incorporating omega-3 fish oil to further boost skin hydration from within and support the skin’s moisture barrier—just be sure to consult with your healthcare provider first.”

4. Matte Lipsticks
Matte lipstick is often made with a higher wax content than traditional shiny lipsticks, which rely on an oil for the sheen and lip moisture. “As matte-based lipsticks dry, the wax can highlight lip imperfections and dryness,” Dr. Moll says. “If my patients are looking for a matte look, I recommend using bland, petroleum-based products for several days before application.”

5. Glittery Lipsticks
They may be pretty, but glittery products are notoriously irritating. “Glitter has been shown to cause irritation around the eye area, so it could potentially do the same in a lip product, especially since the lips are so delicate,” Burg says. Using a glittery lip product over a lip balm or petroleum-based product can help create a barrier between your lips and the glitter particles.

6. Licking Your Lips
You’re probably licking your lips regularly without even realizing it—especially when your lips are feeling dry. However, this can make the problem worse. “This is because your saliva contains enzymes that are designed to break down food, but those same enzymes can break down the delicate skin on your lips, as well,” Burg says. This can also create more dryness as the saliva evaporates from your lips.

7. Sweating
Sweat is a sneaky cause of dry and chapped lips (and irritated skin in general, for that matter). “The salt in sweat pulls moisture out of your skin,” Burg says. “Letting sweat dry on your lips and skin can even contribute to oxidative stress, so it’s important to cleanse your face and lips as soon as possible after a workout to avoid these issues.”

8. Drooling
Drooling is a cause of dry chapped lips that may not even register because, well, you’re asleep while it’s happening! Moll says that mild drooling while you’re catching ZZZ’s can result in an issue called “angular cheilitis,” where the saliva causes an irritant infection of the corners of the mouth. “This can be seen even more commonly in people with dental gear or dentures, which can exacerbate nighttime drool,” she notes.

9. Not Exfoliating
Exfoliating your skin, in general, requires a delicate balance. You don’t want to overdo it, but you also don’t want to neglect this step entirely. This is also true when it comes to the skin on your lips. "Dry, dead skin can build up on your lips, which can create a barrier that prevents your lip balm from penetrating properly," Burg says. "Gently exfoliating once a week with a sugar scrub, gentle physical exfoliant, or a soft toothbrush can help.”