Why Your Lips Get So Chapped in Cold Weather, According to Dermatologists

Lips are far more vulnerable than most people realize, lacking the natural defenses that protect the rest of the skin. With a few small changes to your daily habits, however, a cracked and painful pout can become a thing of the past.

While the colder months can bring all kinds of warmth and coziness, for some people they also usher in skin issues, with chapped lips being among the more noticeable challenges.

But while chapped lips, known medically as cheilitis, may seem to go hand in hand with winter, it is possible to maintain moist, supple lips year-round.

"When it comes to chapped lips, cold, dry weather, sun damage and persistent lip licking are the enemy," says Oksana Bailiff, MD, a dermatologist at Geisinger. "Keeping lip balm handy and protecting your lips from the elements — no matter the season — can go a long way in healing and even preventing dry lips."

Treating dry lips, however, comes down to finding the root of the issue. So, what causes them in the first place? "The skin of the lips is thin and delicate," says Hadley King, MD, a New York City dermatologist. "It does not contain oil glands like the rest of the skin, so this makes it particularly prone to drying out."

Unlike the rest of your skin, lips lack certain features that lock in moisture. They don't have oil glands or hair follicles, so they can't produce sweat or oil to protect themselves from the elements. Lips also lack the layers of dead skin cells that help retain moisture elsewhere on the body.

On top of that, your lips are more exposed to the elements than the rest of your body. Environmental stressors, such as the sun's UV rays, air pollutants, cold, windy weather and even certain foods, can dry out and irritate them.

"When your lips are dry, licking them is a natural — and usually unconscious — way to add moisture," says Dr. Bailiff. "But licking your lips strips the thin, oily surface film that protects them from moisture loss. Plus, the digestive enzymes in saliva can further strip the lips of moisture and make the problem worse."

As a result, lips can quickly become a breeding ground for cracks and discomfort when temperatures drop. "Dryness is exacerbated during the winter because the humidity in the air decreases, so more moisture evaporates from the skin into the air," Dr. King says. "Exposure to wind makes this worse."

Joshua Zeichner, MD, of Zeichner Dermatology in NYC, points to other common culprits, including excessive lip licking, irritating lip products and even spicy foods. "Chapped lips occur when the outer layer of the lips is disrupted, which leads to loss of hydration and inflammation," he says.

Fortunately, keeping your lips hydrated couldn't be simpler. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use lip balm: It's the best way to shield your lips from the sun and harsh winter weather while helping them heal. Apply it whenever needed, especially at night, after eating or drinking, and before heading outdoors. Look for ingredients that form a protective barrier and seal in moisture, such as white petroleum jelly, glycerin, mineral oil, and shea and cocoa butters.
• Skip flavored balms: Flavors like peppermint, cinnamon and citrus, as well as menthol for that cooling, tingling sensation, can irritate the lips. Dr. Bailiff also recommends avoiding fragrances, dyes, waxes, eucalyptus and camphor.
• Stop licking your lips: It may feel instinctive, but saliva will only make things worse. "Licking your lips may temporarily feel soothing, but it will only dry them out more," Dr. King explains. "The saliva evaporates quickly and leaves your lips drier than they were before."

Chapped lips may be a common seasonal nuisance, but they don't have to be inevitable. By understanding what dries them out and making a few simple tweaks to your routine, you can keep your lips soft, smooth and comfortable all year long.

Everyday stressors, including UV rays from the sun, air pollution, cold, blustery weather and even some foods, can leave them parched and irritated. On the flip side, the right foods can help support better skin naturally.