[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/chapped-lips-treatment\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/chapped-lips-treatment\/","headline":"How to Treat Chapped Lips","name":"How to Treat Chapped Lips","description":"<p>Chapped lips are a common problem. How to treat chapped lips and prevent chapped lips using a mixture of hydration, moisturizers, and exfoliation.<\/p>","datePublished":"2025-02-06","dateModified":"2026-01-05","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/GettyImages-1201478361.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/GettyImages-1201478361.jpg","height":866,"width":1998},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/02\/chapped-lips-treatment\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Skin Care"],"wordCount":1057,"articleBody":"Have you ever wondered, \u201cWhy are my lips so dry?\u201d You can find the answer in the thin skin on your lips, which is often at the mercy of the environment.The elements \u2014 cold weather, wind, and even the sun\u2019s harsh UV rays \u2014 often leave behind a trail of tightness and discomfort known as chapped lips.Because chapped lips are a common problem, there are many products on the market that claim to offer relief. But not all treatments are effective, so understanding how to treat chapped lips effectively is vital.What Causes Chapped Lips?Chapped lips, also known as cheilitis, are more than a winter woe or a sign of dehydration. They\u2019re a cry for help from the delicate skin on our lips.Unlike other parts of the skin, our lips lack oil glands and can\u2019t produce moisture. This makes them especially vulnerable to external conditions.Seasonal weather isn\u2019t the only external factor that causes chapped lips. Indoor heating, central air conditioning, and repeatedly licking your lips can cause moisture loss and dryness.Symptoms of chapped lipsChapped lips can affect anyone. The discomfort can range from mild tightness to severe cracking that can bleed and lead to infections when left unattended.Common chapped lip symptoms include:CrackingDrynessPeelingAlthough avoiding chapped lips completely is difficult, there are ways to care for your sensitive skin to speed recovery.How Do I Treat Chapped Lips?When treating chapped lips, the goal is to restore the balance of moisture the thin skin of your lips desperately needs.For quick relief, start by applying a non-irritating lip balm or moisturizer. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends products with the following ingredients:Castor seed oil.Ceramides.Dimethicone.Hemp seed oil.Mineral oil.Petrolatum.Shea butter.Titanium oxide.White petroleum jelly.Zinc oxide.When should I apply lip balm?When moisturizing your lips, consistency is key. Apply balms or moisturizer several times a day and before bed. The nighttime application allows the lip treatment to work undisturbed while you sleep.Also apply lip treatment before:Exercise \u2014 Excess sweat and dehydration can worsen dry lips. This is doubly important for outdoor activities, such as running or cycling.Going outside \u2014 Even in the winter, the sun isn\u2019t friendly to dry, cracked lips. Make sure your lip balm contains a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.Traveling \u2014 Air conditioning in cars and the dry air in airplane cabins aren\u2019t friendly to dry skin.Extra hydration during these activities is vital, too. Staying hydrated can help speed up the healing process.How Do I Prevent Chapped Lips?Moisturize and hydrateThe most effective way to prevent chapped lips involves moisture and hydration.A few tips can help mitigate your risk of chapped lips:Apply lip balm \u2014 Even when your lips appear healthy, lip balm helps the skin around the lips retain moisture before dryness can start.Avoid licking your lips \u2014 Even though it may give you temporary relief, saliva worsens the problem over time, leaving the lips drier after it evaporates. Don&#8217;t pick at the dead skin on your lips either.Don\u2019t put metal on your lips \u2014 Paper clips, jewelry, metal straws, and other metal objects can irritate damaged skin.Increase your water intake \u2014 Hydration is one of the most effective ways to keep your skin \u2014 including the thin layer on your lips \u2014 looking healthy. A lack of water in the body can cause inflammation and dryness.Use a humidifier \u2014 If your home has dry air, a humidifier can help.ExfoliateIn addition to keeping skin moisturized, exfoliation is a great tool for preventing chapped lips. The skin on the lips naturally sheds on its own \u2014 like all skin cells. But when those skin cells don&#8217;t fully shed, you&#8217;re left with layers of dry and dead skin.Lip exfoliation removes excess dry and dead skin. It also helps increase the effectiveness of moisturizers on the healthy skin underneath.You can buy exfoliants from a drugstore or make them at home. Common ingredients for DIY lip scrubs include sugar or coffee grounds.Because the skin on the lips is so sensitive, limit lip exfoliation to once a week. The process is simple:Clean lips of any balm, lip gloss, or lipstick.Dip a wet washcloth or soft toothbrush into the exfoliant mixture.Gently brush your lips in a circular motion and then clean off the scrub.Immediately rehydrate the lips with a balm or a moisturizer.What Should I Avoid Using on Chapped Lips?Some products on the market for managing chapped lips include ingredients that can make the problem worse.A general rule: If you feel stinging, burning, or other discomfort, you\u2019re using the wrong product. Pain doesn\u2019t mean the balm is working \u2014 it usually means the opposite.Products containing alcohol, alpha-hydroxy acids, or retinoids are too harsh for sensitive or dry skin.You should avoid fragranced lip products along with those with:CamphorEucalyptusFlavoringLanolinMentholOctinoxatePhenolPropyl gallateSalicylic acidAm I at Higher Risk of Chapped Lips?You may have a higher risk of developing chapped lips if you:Are older (skin thins as you age).Have eczema or sensitive skin.Have underlying medical conditions.Live in a cold or dry climate and frequently face harsh conditions that cause chapped lips.Work outdoors.Should I Ever Seek Medical Attention for Chapped Lips?Chapped lips typically go away with home treatment, but you may want to see your doctor if they don&#8217;t improve. This is especially true for persistent cracks, bleeding, or signs of infection, such as swelling or pus.In some cases, chapped lips can signal an allergy or a vitamin deficiency. A healthcare provider can perform tests to rule out any underlying causes.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 6, 2025, and was last reviewed on January 5, 2026.SourcesAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association. 7 Dermatologists' Tips for Healing Dry, Chapped Lips. Link.National Center for Biotechnology Information. Diet and Skin Aging \u2014 From the Perspective of Food Nutrition. Link.American Academy of Dermatology Association. Dermatologists' Top Tips for Relieving Dry Skin. Link.National Center for Biotechnology Information. Cheilitis. Link.American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Prevent and Treat Dry, Chapped Lips. Link.American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Safely Exfoliate at Home. 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