Who isn't familiar with this winter problem? As soon as the temperatures drop and dry air from the heating system creates a warm atmosphere, dry lips are never far behind. Annoying and unsightly, it seems to be a constant problem in winter, especially if you're constantly blowing your nose because of a cold. But don't worry: with my tips, you can quickly and easily soften dry lips again.
Dry Lips: Causes
1. Coldness, Wind & Dry Heating Air: Moisture Loss in Winter
As soon as temperatures drop outside, skin loses moisture – your lips are particularly affected. The cold air outside plus the dry air from heating inside means a constant change that dries out the lips.
Facial skin, for example, protects itself with the help of sebaceous glands that secrete oil and retain moisture. However, lips have hardly any sebaceous glands, so they lack a natural protective film. As a result, they dry out much faster and become chapped.
2. Mistake Number 1: Licking Your Lips
It's a typical habit: as soon as dryness becomes noticeable, many people reflexively lick their lips. This only provides relief for a few seconds.
Then the problem worsens drastically: The saliva evaporates, thereby removing additional moisture.
3. Drinking Too Little
Dehydration is often first noticeable on the lips. If you drink very little, your lips may dry out quickly. Experts recommend two to three liters of water or unsweetened tea daily. If you also exercise a lot or sweat a lot, you should drink even more.
4. Medications – Especially Tretinoin
Prescribed medications such as tretinoin or oral retinoids can weaken the skin barrier and increase moisture loss. This often leads to very dry lips.
However, you shouldn't simply stop taking your medication. The side effects usually subside after a few weeks, allowing the skin barrier to normalize. Furthermore, you can counteract the effects with the right skincare routine.
5. Vitamin or Mineral Deficiency
A one-sided diet or a deficiency in certain nutrients can cause dry lips – for example, a deficiency in:
- iron
- Vitamin B2 / B6
- zinc
So if you can rule out other causes and factors, and dry lips are already a chronic problem for you, you should have your vitamin and nutrient levels checked.
6. Infections & Skin Diseases
Colds, runny noses, and fever blisters are often accompanied by dry, sensitive lips. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) can also affect the lips and cause dryness.
7. Stress
Under stress, the body reduces saliva production. This makes the mouth drier – and consequently, the lips as well. Constant stress can therefore contribute to permanently chapped, cracked lips.
Effective Ingredients for Dry Lips
To make lips soft and supple again, they need a combination of fats, moisture, and skin-healing ingredients. The following are particularly recommended:
- Calendula (marigold): Has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect and promotes the healing of cracked skin.
- Panthenol: Soothes irritated lips, relieves redness and supports regeneration.
- Ceramides: Strengthen the skin barrier, allowing moisture to be retained more effectively.
- High-quality oils and fats: Shea butter, beeswax, jojoba oil or almond oil provide a protective film and prevent further moisture loss.
- Hyaluronic acid: Retains moisture in the skin and slightly plumps the lips.
Find the Perfect Lip Care
When it comes to lip care, you'll find a huge selection of products in various textures, shapes, and with different ingredients. Here's an overview of them all:
- Lip scrub: A gentle scrub removes dead skin cells, promotes blood circulation, and instantly makes lips smoother. Ideal 1-2 times per week.
- Lip balm: This classic is perfect for on the go. Good lip balms contain nourishing oils and waxes, panthenol, or ceramides.
- Lip balm: A thicker texture that works ideally on chapped lips. Provides long-lasting protection and intensive regeneration.
- Lip mask (overnight treatment): For maximum overnight care. Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter are particularly effective when they can be absorbed for several hours.
- Lip oil: A delicate, oily texture that adds shine and lightly conditions the lips. Ideal for daytime use or as a finishing touch over a lip balm.
- Lip Butter: Very rich formula – ideal for chapped and extremely dry lips.
Whatever lip care product you choose, adequate UV protection is an absolute must during the day. After all, you should also protect the sensitive skin on your lips from sun damage. Therefore, use a lip balm with at least SPF 30 during the day.
My Product Recommendations for Especially Beautiful Lips
Laneige – Lip Sleeping Mask EX
ab
13,11 €
23,90 €
with the code
-45%
Latest lowest price: 21,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Lethal Cosmetics – Adventure Time Tree Trunks Lip Scrub
12,52 €
13,90 €
12,52 €
with the code 5OFF
-10%
Latest lowest price: 13,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
NUXE – Honey Lip Care Rêve de Miel
15,11 €
15,90 €
15,11 €
with the code 5OFF
-5%
Latest lowest price: 15,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Paula's Choice – Lip Balm SPF 50
16,15 €
17,00 €
16,15 €
with the code 5OFF
-5%
Latest lowest price: 0,17 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
NABLA Cosmetics – Viper Lip Mask
16,03 €
22,90 €
16,03 €
with the code 5OFF
-30%
Latest lowest price: 22,90 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
KORRES – Lip Balm
9,41 €
9,90 €
9,41 €
with the code 5OFF
-5%
Latest lowest price: 8,91 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Paula's Choice – Lip & Body Balm
18,05 €
19,00 €
18,05 €
with the code 5OFF
-5%
Latest lowest price: 0,19 €
(Prices incl. VAT, plus shipping)
Avoid Ingredients that Further Irritate the Lips
You should avoid the following ingredients if your lips are sensitive and prone to dryness:
- essential oils (e.g. peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon)
- artificial fragrances
- Menthol or camphor
- alcohol
They can be irritating, drying, or even worsen small cracks.
Is Lip Balm Addictive? – A Myth Simply Explained
Many people believe that constantly using lip balm makes lips even drier. However, this is not true.
You simply get used to the soft, nourished feeling. As soon as the care is lacking, your natural skin feels drier in comparison. Your skin doesn't become dependent – in fact, it benefits from regular care in the long run.
Home Remedies for Dry Lips
There are simple, natural solutions that can bring quick relief:
- Honey: Has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and nourishing properties. Ideal for cracked skin.
- Sugar scrub: A mixture of sugar and honey or oil gently removes dry skin and makes lips baby soft.
- Natural oils: Coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil soothe the lips and help the skin to regenerate.
Cracked Lips and Torn Corners of the Mouth: What to Do?
Cracked corners of the mouth, also known as angular cheilitis, are often a symptom of dry lips. These tips can help you get rid of the painful cracks quickly:
- unscented, moisturizing care products
- Apply small amounts of panthenol or beeswax regularly
- Avoid spicy and sour foods
- Keep lips as clean and dry as possible
The condition usually improves after two to three days . If it doesn't improve or keeps tearing, you should see a doctor. A nutrient or vitamin deficiency could be the cause.
With just a few steps and the right care, dry lips can be quickly remedied. I hope these tips have helped you – feel free to let me know if you have any further questions about dry lips!
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