In many parts of the country, the weather is shifting from warm and sunny to cool and dry. And when the weather shifts, your skin has to adapt. That includes your lips. As winter starts to close in, and it gets dryer and cooler, your lips will likely begin to feel rough and uncomfortable. Chapped lips, of course, are common any time of year. But when faced with cold outdoor air, dry indoor heat, and a few bad habits to boot, keeping your lips soft and smooth can be challenging. It doesn’t have to be, though. A few simple tips can keep your lips comfortable through smiles and smooches.

What Causes Chapped Lips?

The transition from warmer weather with a bit more moisture in the air to cooler, dryer months can wreak havoc on your lips. Combine that with dry heat indoors, and your poor lips are quickly sapped of much of their moisture. Leaving the delicate skin looking (and feeling) dry, chapped, and cracked. (Ouch!) Add in that the skin on our lips is thinner and lacks oil glands, and they’re even more vulnerable to the elements.

Often, dry lips are just a helpful sign that they need a little more TLC. But if you have persistent chapped lips, your body could be trying to sound an alarm. For instance, it could indicate that you’re dehydrated (the most common culprit), and you need to drink more water throughout the day.

It could also indicate that you need more nutrients from the foods you eat. For instance, you could have low levels of the B vitamins or zinc, which affect your skin’s ability to stay hydrated.

In some cases, chronic dry lips point to conditions like eczema or a thyroid imbalance. So, if you’re really struggling (especially if there are other symptoms), it might be worth checking in with your doctor.

Myths and Facts About Chapped Lips

There are plenty of myths out there about how to properly care for lips. Let’s take just a moment to clear a few things up:

Myth #1: Lip balm is addictive. I’m one of many who keeps lip balm close at hand. I consider it a must-have wherever I go. Am I addicted? Are you?

Fact: Nope. As long as your lip balm is made with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and beeswax, you may just apply it because it feels right. However, lip balms made with menthol or camphor can be irritating to the delicate skin on the lips. This can make them feel drier, so you reach for that jar or tube more often.

Myth #2: Licking your lips is a good way to keep them hydrated.

Fact: This one is a big no. In fact, licking your lips strips away their natural moisture. That leaves them dryer than they were before, and it becomes a vicious cycle.

Myth #3: All you need to do to keep your lips soft and smooth is to drink enough water.

Fact: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for the skin on your body and on your lips. However, your lips also need other nourishment (from the foods you eat) and some external care to stay soft and smooth.

How to Hydrate Your Chapped Lips

Having soft, smooth lips starts with proper hydration. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Your overall diet also plays a role in the hydration of your lips (and the rest of your skin). Ensure you’re eating foods that provide healthy fats (think avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish). A diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals is also important for skin health. Vitamins A, C, and E are all important. Supplementation may also help. Consider taking omega-3s and collagen supplements to help support skin hydration and help your lips feel their best.

Next up is ensuring you regularly moisturize your lips. Look for balms that provide hydrating ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or lanoline. Again, avoid those that contain irritating ingredients like menthol or camphor. They may feel nice when you first apply them, but they can further dry out your lips and start a dreadful cycle. No matter the weather, it pays to protect with some SPF. Even when the skies turn a little cloudier and grey, the UV rays can slip through and damage the lips. So, choose a hydrating lip balm with SPF.

Another simple but very helpful tip is to gently exfoliate your lips about once or twice a week. There are gentle scrubs (which often contain sugar) to remove the dead skin from your lips. But a soft cloth can also be used. Either way, be careful not to over-exfoliate as the skin on the lips is more delicate than the surrounding flesh.

Banish Your Chapped Lips for Good

Combining hydrating from within with smart care on the outside can keep your lips soft and smooth, no matter the season. Just making a few simple adjustments, including choosing the right SPF-containing lip balm, can go a long way in protecting them from the elements to banish dry, chapped lips for good!