Chapped lips from the cold? Expert and home solutions that really work!

• Chapped lips: highly sensitive to weather
• Some lip balms can worsen dryness
• Home remedies can provide quick relief

Winter can become the worst enemy of your lips. The skin in this area is extremely thin and unprotected, so even a sudden change in temperature can leave it dry, irritated, and painfully cracked.

Specialists from University of Utah Health explain that lips do not have sebaceous glands capable of producing their own moisture, meaning they rely entirely on external care.

That’s why, when cold weather arrives, damage can happen quickly—sometimes before we even realize it.

How to prevent and treat chapped lips during cold weather

Why do lips dry out so easily?

• They do not produce natural hydration.
• They are highly sensitive to weather, sun, and wind.
• Habits like licking, biting, or peeling skin worsen irritation.
• Internal dehydration also makes lips more prone to cracking.

What experts warn about

Specialists explain that not all lip balms are safe. Some provide an initial feeling of relief but contain ingredients that ultimately make dryness worse.

As noted by Robert Sylvester, DNP, from University of Utah Health, substances such as camphor, eucalyptus, fragrance, menthol, lanolin, or salicylic acid can further irritate already damaged lips.

Avoid these ingredients if your lips are cracked.

Instead, look for fragrance-free, non-irritating products with SPF 30 that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Ingredients considered truly effective for repairing lips include:

• Hyaluronic acid
• Petroleum jelly
• Shea butter
• Beeswax
• Vitamin E

Essential tips to protect lips during winter

Hydrate from the outside—and the inside: drinking enough water is just as important as using a good balm.

Don’t lick your lips: saliva evaporates quickly and leaves them drier than before.

Cover them from the cold: a scarf can protect lips from direct wind exposure.

Breathe through your nose: inhaling cold air through the mouth dries skin almost instantly.

Use a humidifier at home: especially if indoor air is very dry.

Home remedies for chapped lips that actually help

When applied correctly, home treatments can be very effective.

Coconut oil:
• Rich in fatty acids that strengthen the skin barrier.
• Provides deep hydration and reduces inflammation.
• Can be used alone as a balm or mixed with honey for a nighttime mask.

Honey:
• A natural humectant that locks in moisture.
• Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Works as a balm or as a gentle exfoliant when mixed with sugar.

Olive oil:
• An emollient that softens and repairs thanks to its vitamin E content.
• Can be used as a moisturizer or mixed with sugar for exfoliation (only if there are no open wounds).

Petroleum jelly:
• Creates an occlusive barrier that seals in moisture.
• Protects against wind and extreme cold.
• For severely cracked lips, applying a thick layer overnight can speed up recovery.

Daily prevention to stop lips from cracking again

Keep an SPF lip balm in your daily routine, avoid fragranced products, and rehydrate consistently.

When practiced daily, these habits help prevent lips from reaching the point of burning, cracking, or bleeding.

Caring for your lips in winter doesn’t require complicated routines—just consistency.

With proper hydration, the right products, and simple home remedies, even the coldest days don’t have to mean painful lips.

With these expert-backed tips and accessible alternatives, it’s possible to keep lips soft and healthy all winter long.

You may also like: Essential Tips for Buying Affordable Thermal Clothing and Staying Safe This Winter!

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized advice from a healthcare professional.

What remedy or tip has worked best for you when dealing with chapped lips in winter?

Source: University of Utah Health / El Universal