How To Get Rid Of Chapped Lips - Healthline

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How to Get Rid of Chapped LipsMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by The Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on November 7, 2019

• Prevention
• Treatment
• When to see a doctor

Chapped lips

Chapped lips can be annoying, painful, and even cause bleeding. But for a variety of reasons, many of us deal with them at various points throughout the year. Whether it’s the weather or bad lip balm, there are things you can do to prevent and get rid of your dry, chapped lips.

Chapped lips have many causes. Because the lips don’t contain oil glands, like the rest of your skin, they’re prone to drying out. So how can you prevent dryness in the first place?

Chapped lip prevention

1. Don’t lick.Licking your lips only dries them out more. Because saliva evaporates quickly, your lips are drier after you lick them than they were before.
2. Don’t use flavored lip balms. When you put tasty things on your lips, you’re tempted to lick. While flavored lip balms may be fun, they can lead to a dry, cracked mouth — no fun at all.
3. Use sunscreen. If you’re planning on a day in the sun, use a lip balm with sunscreen. It will help keep your lips from getting burned, and the dryness and peeling that can occur afterward.
4. Cover your mouth when out in the elements. Cold air especially can dry your lips. Covering them with a scarf when you head out into brutal temperatures can help keep them protected.
5. Steer clear of allergens.You may have sensitive lips that get irritated when they come in contact with perfumes, dyes, or fragrances. So keep cosmetics and products with these ingredients far from your mouth.
6. Stay hydrated, inside and out.Winter air can be dry, so keep the air in your house moist with a humidifier. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can lead to dry skin and lips.

Chapped lip treatment

If you already have dry, cracked lips, those prevention methods may keep them from worsening. But there’s even more you can do to help them heal more quickly.

Gently exfoliate

When your lips are chapped, they can be rough and start to peel. Taking off skin that isn’t completely dead, however, can lead to bleeding and pain — so be careful. Apply a gentle exfoliator like a sugar scrub with your finger. Be sure to follow with a good moisturizer.

Shop for a lip sugar scrub online.

Moisturize

Use a moisturizer to keep your lips from drying out further. Products containing beeswax or petroleum work to hold moisture in. Slather on more at night before you go to sleep. Ointments like coconut oil, cocoa butter, petroleum jelly, and even thick body lotions are good options.

Shop for a lip moisturizer online.

When paired with the prevention methods above, these two treatments alone can speed the healing of chapped lips.

Serious cases

If you find that your lips simply won’t heal, there may be an underlying condition to blame and you should see a doctor.

Chapped lips can get infected, as bacteria can enter through cracks and abrasions. This is known as cheilitis and must be treated by a doctor.

We all suffer from dry, chapped lips at some point. And in most cases, careful attention and prevention are the keys to getting your lips looking and feeling better.

 

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• GibsonLE. (2016). Chapped lips: What’s the best remedy?http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/expert-answers/chapped-lips/faq-20057819
• Soreor dry lips. (2015).http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dry-lips/Pages/Introduction.aspx

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by The Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on November 7, 2019

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