How You Can Keep Your Lips from Cracking
Posted on 11/15/2025 by Dr. Dix |
Dry, cracked lips are a common problem, especially during certain times of the year. But don't worry, understanding why they happen and how to prevent them can keep your smile looking and feeling its best. Let's dive into some simple steps you can take to maintain healthy, hydrated lips.
Understanding the Causes
Our lips are different from the rest of our skin. They don't have oil glands like other areas of our body, which means they dry out more easily. Several factors can contribute to lip dryness and cracking, including:
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Weather: Cold, dry air in the winter and excessive sun exposure in the summer can both strip moisture from your lips. Wind also plays a role, wicking away moisture and leading to dryness. |
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Dehydration: Not drinking enough water is a major culprit. When your body is dehydrated, your lips are often one of the first places to show it. |
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Licking Your Lips: It might seem counterintuitive, but licking your lips actually makes them drier. Saliva evaporates quickly, taking moisture with it and leaving your lips even more parched. |
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Certain Medications: Some medications can have a drying effect on the body, including the lips. |
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Breathing Through Your Mouth: Especially while sleeping, breathing through your mouth can lead to increased moisture loss from your lips. |
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Irritants: Certain lip products, like flavored balms or lipsticks with harsh chemicals, can irritate your lips and contribute to cracking. |
Simple Steps for Prevention
The good news is that preventing cracked lips is often quite simple. Here are some easy-to-follow tips:
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Carrying a water bottle with you can serve as a reminder to keep sipping. |
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Use Lip Balm Regularly: Choose a lip balm that contains moisturizing ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, or petroleum jelly. Apply it liberally and frequently, especially before going outside and before bed. |
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Protect Your Lips from the Sun: Just like your skin, your lips can get sunburned. Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher when you're spending time outdoors, even on cloudy days. |
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Avoid Licking Your Lips: Be conscious of this habit and try to break it. If your lips feel dry, reach for your lip balm instead. |
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Humidify Your Home: Especially during the winter months, using a humidifier can add moisture back into the air, which can help prevent dry lips. |
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Exfoliate Gently: Occasionally, gently exfoliate your lips with a soft toothbrush or a damp washcloth to remove dead skin cells. This allows lip balm to penetrate more effectively. |
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Check Your Lip Products: Be mindful of the ingredients in your lipsticks and lip balms. Avoid products with harsh chemicals, fragrances, or artificial flavors that can irritate your lips. Opt for natural and hypoallergenic options. |
Addressing Existing Cracks
Even with the best prevention, lip crack can still occur. If your lips are already cracked, here are a few things you can do:
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Continue to Moisturize: Apply lip balm frequently throughout the day. |
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Use a Healing Ointment: Consider using a healing ointment containing ingredients like lanolin or dimethicone to help repair damaged skin. |
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Avoid Picking or Peeling: Picking at dry skin can worsen the problem and lead to infection. |
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Stay Hydrated: Drink even more water than usual to help your body heal. |
Taking care of your lips is a simple way to improve your overall comfort and confidence. By understanding the causes of dry, cracked lips and following these prevention tips, you can keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
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