Dry lips - Surprising causes, risk factors and best treatments

Whatever the season, chapped lips are a common problem that can become extremely uncomfortable.

It itches, it flakes, sometimes even cracks to the point of bleeding - sound familiar? Most of the time, we instinctively apply a lip balm, but without realizing that the problem could have deeper causes.

Vitamin deficiencies, dehydration or even certain medical conditions may be the cause.

The good news? There are simple and effective solutions! In this article, I will explain why dry lips and how to fix them quickly, using treatments that are easy to integrate into your daily routine.

Discover best remedies for chapped lips, from natural scrubs and intense moisturizing, until professional products recommended by specialists.

Did you know that?

• Lips lose 10 times more water than any other body part, due to their delicate structure.

• Deficiencies of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 can lead to dry and chapped lips.

• The habit of moistening your lips with saliva can make dryness worse, because saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips even more dehydrated.

• Certain cosmetics or toothpastes can cause contact dermatitis, manifested by dry and cracked lips.

• Exposure to extreme weather conditions such as intense cold or strong wind increases the risk of chapped lips.

Dry lips? Discover the most effective treatments!

If you have chapped lips, here you go 7 simple treatments you can try to restore the health and smooth look of your lips.

1. Use a lip scrub

Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and allows moisturizing conditioner to absorb more effectively.

You can use a sugar and honey scrub or a specially formulated lip product. Exfoliation should be done maximum 2 times a week, to avoid skin irritation.

2. Try a lip mask regularly

Just like applying face masks, lips need intensive care. Mascaras based on honey, shea butter or aloe vera helps regenerate the skin and keep it moisturized.

On TikTok I tell more about lip care and my favorite tricks - see an example here: TikTok - moisturized lips.

@elenamartinclinic

How to take good care of your lips? Lip Booster is always in my pocket! Buy it online at martinclinic.co.uk! 😍 #lipbalm #lipcare #lipscare #elenamartin #drelenamartin #beauty #lipbooster #plumpylook #hydratedlips

♬ original sound - Elena Martin Clinic

3. Hydrate constantly!

Dehydration is one of the main causes of chapped lips. If you don't drink enough water, your skin will become dry, including your lips.

Make sure you drink at least 2 liters of water a day, If you are physically active or spend a lot of time in air conditioning, increase your fluid intake.

4. Keep a lip balm with you

A quality lip balm is essential in your daily routine. Choose one that contains nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, coconut oil or vitamin E.

I recommend Lip Booster from Martin Clinic - an intense moisturizer, perfect for chapped lips.

5. Apply products with SPF

Sun exposure can aggravate dry lips, especially in summer. Use a conditioner with SPF 30+, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

The sun contributes to premature ageing of the skin, including the lips.

6. Avoid habits that dry lips

Some habits, such as wet lips with saliva, drinking too much coffee and alcohol or smoking, can make chapped lips worse.

Saliva contains digestive enzymes that can irritate the delicate skin of the lips, and alcohol and coffee dehydrate the body.

7. Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals

Deficiency of essential vitamins such as vitamin B, iron and zinc, can lead to chapped lips.

Include in your diet green leafy vegetables, nuts, eggs and dairy products, to prevent a lack of these nutrients.

Frequently asked questions about chapped lips

1. What diseases hide dry lips?

Chapped lips can be a symptom of conditions such as atopic dermatitis, hypothyroidism or diabetes. If the problem persists, see a dermatologist.

2. Dry lips and feeling thirsty - what does it mean?

If your mouth is always dry and you feel excessively thirsty, it could be a sign of severe dehydration or diabetes. Make sure you drink enough water and monitor other associated symptoms.

3. Chapped lips from lack of vitamins - what am I missing?

Deficiencies of vitamin B2, B3, B6, zinc or iron can lead to chapped and dry lips. A balanced diet and supplements can help the skin recover.

4. Dry and cracked lips in children - what causes them?

Children can have dry lips due to lack of hydration, cold air, lip licking or allergies. Using the right conditioner and moisturizing properly are essential.

5. Dry lips in pregnancy - is it normal?

Yes, hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to dehydrated skin, including lips.

It's important to moisturize properly and use gentle care products.

If you want always moisturized and velvety lips, Proper care is essential. The right products make the difference, and Martin Clinic find professional solutions for the health and beauty of your lips.

Source of inspiration:

• Chapped Lips: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies - Neosporin
• Chapped Lips: Causes and Treatments, Per Dermatologists - Allure
• Chapped Lips: Causes and treatments - Mayo Clinic 
• Chapped Lips Remedies: Lip Balm Tips for Severely Dry Lips - WebMD 
• Dry Lips: Causes and Doctor-Approved Remedies You Can Use - Mount Elizabeth Hospitals