How To Care For and Prevent Dry Lips

We’ve all dealt with dry lips on at least a few occasions. This common concern often strikes during the winter months, but it can occur anytime the lips lack sufficient moisture. Your lips are skin, after all—and like the skin on your face, they require adequate hydration to remain soft, smooth, and comfortable. If you frequently struggle with dry lips and haven’t yet found relief, keep reading. Ahead, we’ll explain some of the most common dry lips causes and share tips on how to prevent dry lips to keep your pout in tip-top shape.

Common Causes of Dry Lips

Dry lips, like dry skin, result from a lack of moisture. As for what can cause the lips to lose moisture, there are many potential factors at play, including:

• Weather conditions: According to the Cleveland Clinic, cold, dry, or windy weather strips moisture from the lips, leaving them cracked and chapped.
• Sun exposure: Exposure to UV rays can damage the delicate skin on your lips, causing them to dry out and crack.
• Using harsh lip products: Lip balms, lipsticks, or glosses with fragrances, dyes, or alcohol can sometimes irritate the lips, leading to dryness.
• Frequent licking of lips: The Cleveland Clinic notes that frequently licking your lips is one of the most common causes of dry lips, particularly in children and teens.
• Dehydration: In some cases, not drinking enough water can lead to dry lips (so don’t forget to refill that water bottle).

The Cleveland Clinic also notes that certain medical conditions can contribute to dry, cracked, or chapped lips. If you avoid the above stressors and still find yourself wondering, “Why are my lips so dry?” on a regular basis, consider scheduling a visit with your primary care physician.

Lip Care Routine for Dry Lips

If your lips are dry or need a bit of TLC, try this simple three-step routine to help hydrate and nourish your pout.

Start with clean lips

First, you’ll want to make sure your lips are free from makeup or product residue. Give them a once-over with a gentle makeup wipe to remove all traces of makeup and impurities and ensure you’re starting with a clean, fresh canvas.

Lightly exfoliate

Next, use a lip scrub to help soften dry patches and buff away flaky spots. If you don’t have a lip scrub on hand, that’s okay—you can use a clean washcloth and warm water instead. Just dampen the cloth, then lightly rub it over your pout in a circular motion to help remove dead skin cells and smooth your lips.

Apply a hydrating oil

The best lip care products for dry lips tend to be those that moisturize the lips without leaving them feeling sticky or tacky, and the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil fits the bill. This tinted lip oil is made with hyaluronic acid and tripeptide and provides up to 24 hours of hydration for smoother, plumper-looking lips. Plus, it comes in a range of flattering shades to suit any skin tone (though if you prefer a natural-looking finish, there’s a clear oil in the lineup, too). We also love the oil’s unique applicator, which features massaging beads for an extra-luxe application.

How To Prevent Dry Lips

While it’s difficult to completely prevent dry lips (especially if you live in a cold or dry climate), there are some things that you can do to help reduce the likelihood of dryness. Keep reading for a few tips on how to prevent dry lips naturally and with carefully chosen lip care for dry lips.

Use a humidifier

If your lips are cracked, dry, or peeling because of the climate, consider running a humidifier while you sleep. This can add moisture to the air, which can, in turn, help keep your lips (and skin!) feeling hydrated and healthy.

Apply lip balm with SPF

We’re guessing you’re aware of the importance of applying sunscreento your face and neck every day, but if you’re skipping your lips, you’re not applying your SPF properly. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to all exposed skin every single day—and that includes your lips. With that being said, facial sunscreens aren’t typically designed for use on the lips. Instead, you’ll want to apply a lip balm or lipstick with SPF to help protect your lips from damaging UV rays. If you don’t have an SPF-infused lip balm on hand, don a hat when outdoors and stick to the shade whenever possible.

Avoid licking your lips

As mentioned, licking your lips can cause them to dry out, which can lead to chapping, cracking, and peeling. If you frequently lick your lips, try to break the habit by applying lip gloss or lipstick before you head out the door. Opt for one with a nourishing formula, like the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss with Pomegranate Extract, which instantly moisturizes and conditions for soft, healthy-looking lips. If you prefer a more pigmented finish, try the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract. It comes in 10 buildable, luminous shades that deliver a wash of flattering color and long-lasting hydration. Plus, it helps make bare lips feel smoother with continued use.

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of H2O alone won’t prevent dry lips, but it can help stave off dehydration. The Mayo Clinic recommends aiming for between 2.7 and 3.7 liters of water per day, depending on your gender, activity levels, and the local climate. If you’re not sure how much water to drink, use your thirst as a guide—your body is pretty good at telling you when it needs water.

Try an overnight lip mask

For extra protection against dryness, consider applying a rich, nourishing lip mask before going to sleep. These popular dry lip remedies can help soothe the lips and lock in moisture to promote softer, smoother-feeling lips come morning.

Next Up: How To Keep Your Skin Hydrated: 14 Tips To Try Right Now

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris