B vitamins
Chapped lips are a common symptom of deficiencies, especially in folate (vitamin B9), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and vitamins B6 and B12 ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ).
Little humidity in the air during the winter months is known to cause chapped lips. Frequent sun exposure in the summer can also worsen your condition. Another common cause of chapped lips is habitual licking. Saliva from the tongue can further strip the lips of moisture, causing more dryness.
Ingredients that lock in moisture
“Look for lip balms with white petrolatum, lanolin, shea butter, beeswax and ceramides because they all lock in moisture,” Stevenson said.
Chapped lips are the result of dry, cracked skin on your lips due to cold or dry weather, sun exposure, frequently licking your lips or dehydration. You can treat chapped lips at home with the use of lip balm or ointment to ease any discomfort.
Drink plenty of water
Keeping hydrated is one of the most obvious but forgotten about elements when it comes to keeping our lips soft and smooth.
Vitamin B-3 Without enough vitamin B-3 or niacin, a person may experience dry, cracked lips or tongue and a red, swollen mouth. A deficiency of this vitamin can also lead to dermatitis. People can get niacin in their diet by eating beef, pork, halibut, tuna, poultry, whole grains, dairy, and green leafy vegetables.
“Dehydration, weather changes, certain lip balm ingredients (like menthol, camphor, phenol, and salicylic acid), vitamin deficiencies (specifically iron, zinc, and Vitamin B12), sun damage, and lip-licking can all cause dry lips,” explains Jennifer Weiss, a PA at Marmur Medical.
Unfortunately, most lip balms are made from a wax base. They coat the lips and provide temporary relief, but they don't provide any long-lasting benefits. Lip oils are different because they are made from natural oils that can penetrate deep into the lips to add moisture that lasts for hours without reapplying.
When you apply olive oil to your lips you will enjoy: Soft Supple Lips. Superior Hydration. Relief From Cracked and Chapped Lips.
As with many other cosmetic products, coconut oil is an excellent substitute for artificial lip balm. Its proven moisturizing, antibacterial, and nurturing properties are ideal for proper lip care.
See a dermatologist if your problem persists. Chapping that doesn't heal, despite regular use of lip balm, can be a sign of infection or a more serious problem, like cancer or a precancerous condition called actinic cheilitis.
And finally, over-use! No matter how good your lip balm is, if you're applying it too often it will end up doing more harm than good. This is because the lips become reliant on the product and lose the ability to moisturise themselves.
Health Conditions That Can Cause Chapped Lips
Chapped lips can also be associated with a variety of underlying medical conditions, including thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, and inflammatory bowel disease, says Zeichner.
Well it turns out that coffee does cause chapped lips, due to the fact that coffee is a natural diuretic, and the more you drink the more dehydrated you get.
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.
According to Dr. Evans, while your lips can dry out if they are constantly exposed to any type of moisture, including from cold drinks, heat can cause the lipid barrier to break down even faster. Even a single sip of a scalding beverage can be enough to burn the lips and the tongue, she says—ouch.
Dehydration – When you're dehydrated, your lips are more prone to dryness. Drink about eight glasses of water per day to stay properly hydrated. Malnutrition – Improper diet and nutrient deficiencies can make skin and lips drier than usual.