How To Heal Chapped Lips (+Causes & Remedies)

 

Written by: Samantha Wasielewski - Dec. 10, 2020

How To Heal Chapped Lips (+Causes & Remedies)  

I’m from Chicago, so believe me when I say, I know how uncomfortable dry, chapped lips can be! And as winter approaches, I’m sure most of you can feel my pain too. 

But winter isn’t the only thing that can cause chapped lips. They can happen anytime, anywhere. If you’ve ever experienced dry lips, then you’ve come to the right place! I’m here to answer all of your questions about the “dreaded dry”, and most importantly, how to heal chapped lips!

What Causes Chapped Lips?


I used to think chapped lips only occured in the winter. But when I moved to California, where it’s 75 degrees 90% of the time, I was bewildered as to why my lips were still dry! 

There are actually many factors that can cause dry lips, and here are a few of them: 

  • Less humidity—Let’s start with the obvious, the winter months. When the humidity of summer starts to disappear, chapped lips can occur. And if you’re not constantly moisturizing them, it can make the matter worse. This article will tell you how you can avoid this in the winter months and answer the ever-so-popular question, “Why are my lips so dry?”
  • Sun exposure—Okay, now let’s say you live in a sunny state like me. Frequent sun exposure can also cause dry lips, and if you’re not staying hydrated, it can make them worse. 
  • Licking—Yes, licking. You might think that licking your lips is helping to put moisture on them, but it actually dries them out. Saliva from your tongue can actually strip your lips of its natural moisture, creating dryness. I’ll let you in on some easy home remedies for chapped lips for moisture you will see and feel.
  • Medications—If you don’t have a history of dry lips, and out of nowhere ask yourself, “Why are my lips so dry?”, it could be due to certain medications. Retinoids, vitamin A, lithium, and chemotherapy drugs have been shown to cause dryness (1)
  • Spicy foods—I LOVE spicy foods, so learning about this was a bit of a let down. Put me at a 10 always for the 1-10 spiciness level. But, if you’re still wondering, “Why are my lips so dry?”, this could be the culprit. Spicy foods can irritate dry lips and make them worse. If your chapped lips are becoming too much to bear, it might be time to pass on that flaming hot cheeto burrito for a bit… g this, maybe pass on that flaming hot cheeto burrito for the time being…

Chapped lips can also be associated with several medical conditions. Thyroid disease, such as low thyroid function can cause dry lips, and vitamin deficiencies such as low zinc or B-complex may also be the culprit. (2) These home remedies for chapped lips may be able to help, but please speak with your dermatologist if you have any of the above for additional recommendations and to see if these remedies are right for you. 

Hopefully by now you are no longer wondering, “why are my lips so dry”—but if you do try these home remedies for chapped lips and still don’t see any improvement, speak with your dermatologist, as this could be a results of actinic cheilitis, or chronic chapped lips due to sun damage. (3) 

Ready for how to heal chapped lips? Check out these home remedies for chapped lips below, and never ask the burning question again, “Why are my lips so dry?”! (See what I did there? 😉)

Home Remedies For Chapped Lips


These simple at-home remedies are a great place to start for healing chapped lips. So pucker up, because these tips and tricks are easy enough to incorporate into your everyday life! 💋

1. Lip balm


This home remedy for chapped lips is an easy one on how to heal chapped lips, because lip balm is something you probably already have at home! Lip balm contains waxes and oils that form a protective barrier over your skin, and certain lip balms even contain sunscreen. 

2. Drink lots of water


If you’re still asking yourself, “Why are my lips so dry?”, dehydration could be to blame, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. I know this seems like an obvious one, but far too often I too need a friendly reminder to get in my H20!

3. Use a humidifier


How to heal chapped lips can be answered by simply plugging in a humidifier. This home remedy for chapped lips is especially helpful for those who breathe through their mouth at night.

4. Stop licking & picking at your lips


I know it can be tempting to pick at the flakes on your lips when they become dry, but I must encourage you to 🛑. This will only irritate your lips, preventing them from healing. It might seem obvious to lick your lips when they are dry to get that moisture, but it could actually be making them worse.  

5. Start drinking green juice daily


Green juice, such as Super Youth Skinny Greens, contains powerful polyphenols, antioxidants, and vitamins that help moisturize and replenish dull skin. By adding it into your daily routine, not only will it encourage you to drink more water, but you’ll also be helping to avoid chapped lips from the inside out.

The Bottom Line


These home remedies for chapped lips, and tips on how to heal chapped lips are great, everyday practices that are simple enough to be a part of your daily routine. If you’re still asking yourself, “Why are my lips so dry?” talk to your dermatologist to see what they say. 

 

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