When winter comes, just as our skin generally becomes dry, so too do our lips face the problem of dryness and chapping. One condition that often requires therapy is chapped lips in winter. The cold winter air, low humidity, and bad habits can cause lips to become completely dry, chapped, and painful. But by following the advice of dermatologists and skin care experts and creating some effective home routines, you can keep your lips soft, protected, and healthy throughout the winter.
Below is a detailed discussion of the causes, symptoms, remedies, and preventive tips of chapped lips in winter:
Why do lips get chapped in winter?
Lips are particularly vulnerable in winter for different reasons than other parts of the skin. Here are some of the main reasons:
- No oil glands in the skin: The skin of the lips has very few or no oil glands like the rest of the body, so they are not protected by the naturally produced oils.
- Dry and cold air: During winter, the air has very low humidity, and home heaters can create more dryness. This environment quickly reduces the moisture of the lips.
- Habit of applying saliva: Many people apply saliva when their lips feel dry, but when the saliva dries, it causes more dryness and chapping of the lips.
- Sunlight: Lips can also be damaged in winter due to UV rays if they do not have sunscreen.
- Dehydration: Many people drink less water in winter, which reduces the moisture of the body and lips.
- Chemical or harmful products: There are ingredients in lip balms or lipsticks that can dry out the lips even more, such as menthol, camphor, etc.
The combination of these factors increases the problem of chapped lips in winter and accelerates the tendency for chapped lips.
Symptoms of chapped lips in winter
There are some common symptoms of the “chapped lips in winter” problem, which are important to understand:
- Dry and chapped lips
- Dead skin, scaling, or flaking
- Cracks or spots, especially in the corners or all over the lips
- Redness, swelling of the skin
- Burning or pain in the cracks and sores
- If left untreated for a long time, infection or permanent cheilitis can occur
If these symptoms recur repeatedly or are chronic, it is better to consult a dermatologist.
Dermatologists’ advice: the best way to deal with the situation
Doctors or skin experts give several proven tips to deal with chapped lips in winter:
- Use a non-irritating lip balm: Choose lip balms that are low in abrasive ingredients (such as menthol or camphor).
- Use a thick, protective moisturizer: Applying a thick layer of moisturizer or petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) at night can help lock in moisture.
- Use a lip product with SPF: It’s sunny even in winter, so SPF protects your lips from UV rays.
- Drink plenty of water: By staying hydrated, you can keep both your body and your lips healthy.
- Use a humidifier in winter: Humidifiers are very effective in keeping the air moist in your home.
- Consult a doctor in case of allergies or severe chapped lips: If general care does not improve, you need to see a specialist.
By following these steps, you can keep your “chapped lips in winter” problem under control to a great extent.
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Home remedies and natural ingredients
Apart from treatment, you can keep your lips very well protected and soft with natural home remedies. Here are some simple, natural remedies:
- Aloe Vera Gel: Has anti-inflammatory properties, helps soothe and smooth lips.
- Coconut Oil: Moisturises quickly and protects against the slow onset of winter dryness.
- Honey + Glycerin Mixture: Works as a simple lip mask; apply at night to provide overnight moisture.
- Rose Petals and Milk: Soaking rose petals in milk and applying them to your lips can help nourish and moisturise them.
Regular use of these natural ingredients can be effective in both treating and preventing “chapped lips in winter”.
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Wrong habits that increase the problem
During “Chapped lips in winter”, many people can do some habits that make their lips worse. It is necessary to be aware of and refrain from them:
- Applying saliva: Although it seems that saliva goes away during dry lips, it actually increases the problem.
- Biting the lips or picking at the cracked skin: This can deepen the cracks and increase the chances of infection.
- Using lip products with bad ingredients: Those containing menthol, camphor or other chemicals can dry out the lips even more.
- Going out in damp or rainy weather: Cold and wind encourage the lips to crack, so it is better to use a scarf or mask.
- Smoking: This makes the skin around the lips drier and more vulnerable.
Eliminating these wrong habits can reduce the problem of chapped lips in winter to a great extent.
Exfoliation and Overnight Care
It is important to include exfoliation (sweeping away dead skin) and late-night care in an effective routine:
- Exfoliate your lips with a gentle sugar scrub or lip brush once or twice a week.
- After exfoliating, apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or hydrating balm to seal in moisture.
- Pay special attention to the night: Apply an overnight lip mask or a thick layer of balm before bed to create smooth lips in the morning.
If you follow these steps regularly, chapped lips, peeling skin, and pain will be greatly reduced.
Special Instructions: If the problem is severe
Sometimes “chapped lips in winter” are not just a seasonal problem, but can have long-term or complex causes:
See a dermatologist
If normal care does not improve or if there is chapping, bleeding, or persistent peeling of the lips, a specialist should be seen.
Possible additional causes include allergic cheilitis, active infections, or moisture-related illnesses.
Health Checkup
Frequent chapped lips can be caused by vitamin B, iron, or other nutritional deficiencies.
Some medications can also cause cheilitis, especially those that increase dehydration or dry out the skin.
Custom Routine
Create a special balm, protectant, and exfoliating routine based on your skin condition.
If your lips are chapped more at night, a late-night medicated lip product, such as a medical ointment or rescue balm, can be used.
Prevention
It is important to develop some preventive habits to avoid a recurrence of the “chapped lips in winter” problem:
Start a lip care routine as soon as winter begins, and keep lip balm and scrubs ready.
Keep a humidifier running in your home, especially on cold nights.
Maintain a balanced diet, eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals, especially B-group vitamins, omega-3, and vitamin C.
Cover your lips when you go outside, use a scarf, mask, or lip balm.
Refill your moisturizing and protective lip products regularly, and invest in products that meet your lip needs.
Conclusion
“Chapped lips in winter” is a common but uncomfortable problem. Cold air, low humidity, the wrong lip products, and habits can all make your lips crack, flaky, and sore. But with home care, natural ingredients, and mindful management, this problem can be addressed.
First, understand the cause: winter dryness, chapping, dehydration, etc.
Sixth, follow a lip care routine every day and night, exfoliate, moisturize, and protect.
Third, see a dermatologist if there is cracking, bleeding, or chronic problems.
Fourth, create preventative habits, scarves, humidifiers, and maintain adequate water intake.
This way, you will also be able to keep your lips soft, supple, and healthy throughout the winter. If you need another type of lip care guide or specific product recommendations, let me know. I can help!
Hi readers. I’m Piyali Batabyal, a passionate blogger who loves to share her thoughts, ideas, and experiences across a variety of topics—from lifestyle and beauty to personal growth and creativity. With a curious mind and a love for words.
Alongside my writing, I am also a professional makeup artist with a flair for enhancing natural beauty and creating transformative looks.

