Why you're lips are constantly chapped

The Weather and Environment Factor

Dry air, wind, sun exposure, and cold weather all suck moisture out of your lips.

Winter is obviously the worst. Heaters dry out indoor air. Cold wind outdoors cracks your lips. You go back and forth between the two all day.

But summer can be bad too - AC, sun exposure, heat.

If you live in a dry climate or spend a lot of time in air-conditioned spaces, your lips are constantly battling environmental moisture loss.

The fix:

• Use a humidifier in your bedroom

• Apply lip balm with SPF during the day (yes, your lips can get sun damage)

• Protect your lips with a scarf in cold weather

• Reapply balm after eating or drinking

The DIY Lip Treatments That Actually Heal (Not Just Moisturize)

Store-bought lip balms moisturize temporarily, but these homemade treatments actually help repair damaged lip tissue from the inside out.

Honey + Coconut Oil Overnight Treatment:

• Mix equal parts raw honey and coconut oil. Apply a thick layer before bed.

• Do this every night for a week, and you'll see dramatic improvement.

Honey has antibacterial and healing properties, while coconut oil penetrates deeply to repair the lip barrier.

Milk Cream (Malai) Lip Mask:

• Take fresh milk cream and apply it to your lips for 10 minutes. 

• This is an old Indian remedy that actually works. Do this 2-3 times a week.

The lactic acid gently exfoliates dead skin while the fats deeply moisturize.

Aloe Vera Gel (Fresh, Not Store-Bought):

• If you have an aloe plant, break off a leaf and apply the fresh gel directly to your lips. 

• Leave it on for 15 minutes.

Aloe contains compounds that speed up skin cell regeneration and reduce inflammation.

Ghee Before Bed:

• Apply pure ghee (clarified butter) to your lips before sleeping. 

It's rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are all crucial for skin repair. This is especially good if your lips are severely cracked and bleeding.

Rose Water + Glycerin Mix:

• Mix equal parts rose water and glycerin. 

• Apply multiple times throughout the day. 

Glycerin is a humectant (draws moisture from the air into your skin), and rose water is soothing and anti-inflammatory.

Keep this mixture in a small spray bottle and spritz your lips every hour if they're very dry.

What NOT to use:

• Lemon juice (too acidic, damages lip skin)

• Toothpaste (irritating and drying)

• Petroleum jelly alone (seals but doesn't heal)

The key difference: these treatments HEAL the underlying damage, not just provide temporary moisture. Use them consistently for 2-3 weeks, and your lips will transform.

The Medication Side Effect

Certain medications cause dry lips as a side effect:

• Accutane (isotretinoin) - Notorious for causing severe lip dryness 

• Retinoids - Even topical ones on your face can dry your lips 

• Diuretics - Make you pee more, leading to dehydration 

• Antihistamines - Dry out mucous membranes, including lips 

• Blood pressure medications - Some cause dry mouth and lips

If your lip dryness started after beginning a new medication, that's probably why.

Don't stop your medication, but talk to your doctor. Sometimes switching to a different drug in the same class helps.