Cold weather can be tough on your lips. As temperatures fall and the air becomes drier, lips can quickly start to feel tight, rough and uncomfortable. For some people, this develops into painful cracked or chapped lips that seem to return throughout the winter.
Fortunately, a few simple changes to your winter lip care routine can make a big difference. From choosing the right lip balm to avoiding habits that dry your lips out further, here is how to stop your lips cracking in winter and keep them feeling soft and comfortable.
Why Do Lips Crack in Winter?
Your lips are more vulnerable to cold weather than many other areas of your skin. They have a thinner protective barrier and do not produce oil in the same way as other parts of your face.
During winter, cold outdoor air and dry indoor heating can cause moisture to leave the lips more quickly. Wind can make the problem worse, particularly if you spend a lot of time outside.
This loss of moisture can lead to dry lips in winter. If the dryness continues, the surface of the lips may start to flake or split, resulting in cracked and sore areas.
Use Lip Balm Regularly
One of the simplest ways to prevent cracked lips in winter is to apply lip balm regularly. Lip balm helps create a protective layer over the lips and reduces moisture loss.
Apply your lip balm before going outside, particularly on cold or windy days. Reapply it during the day whenever your lips begin to feel dry.
It can also help to apply a slightly thicker layer before bed. This gives your lips extra protection during the night, especially if the heating in your home makes the air dry.
Avoid Licking Your Lips
When your lips feel dry, licking them can seem like a quick solution. Unfortunately, it can actually make chapped lips in winter worse.
Saliva evaporates quickly from the surface of your lips. As it disappears, it can leave the lips feeling even drier than before. Repeated lip licking can create a cycle where the lips become increasingly dry and irritated.
Instead, keep a lip balm nearby and apply it whenever you notice your lips starting to feel uncomfortable.
Do Not Pick or Bite Flaky Skin
Dry winter lips often develop small pieces of loose or flaky skin. It can be tempting to bite or pull them away, but this can damage the healthy skin underneath.
Picking your lips can cause small cuts, bleeding and additional soreness. It can also make cracked areas take longer to heal.
Allow loose skin to come away naturally while keeping your lips moisturised. If you exfoliate your lips, be very gentle and avoid exfoliation completely when they are already cracked, bleeding or painful.
Protect Your Lips from Cold Weather
Prevention is an important part of winter lip care. Before heading outdoors, apply a protective lip balm and give it a moment to settle onto your lips.
On particularly cold or windy days, covering the lower part of your face with a scarf can also help reduce direct exposure to harsh weather.
Remember that winter sunshine can affect your lips too. If you are spending a long time outdoors, particularly while walking, skiing or taking part in other winter activities, consider using a lip product with suitable sun protection.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
During colder months, it is easy to drink less water because you may not feel as thirsty as you do in summer. However, maintaining normal hydration is still important for your general health and skin.
Keep drinking fluids regularly throughout the day. While drinking more water alone will not instantly repair cracked lips, good hydration can form part of a sensible overall approach to caring for dry skin and lips.
Choose a Lip Balm That Feels Comfortable
The best lip balm for cracked lips is one you can apply regularly without irritating your lips. If a product causes stinging, burning or increased redness, stop using it and try a gentler alternative. You can also read our guide to choosing the best lip balm for dry lips for more help finding a suitable product.
You may also prefer different lip balms for different situations. A lighter balm can work well during the day, while a richer product may be useful before bed or when spending longer periods outdoors.
Create a Simple Winter Lip Care Routine
You do not need a complicated routine to help prevent winter lips from cracking. Consistency is more important. For more everyday advice, read our guide to keeping your lips moisturised all day.
Apply lip balm in the morning, before going outside and whenever your lips feel dry. Avoid licking or picking your lips, and apply another layer of balm before bed.
Following these steps every day can help prevent mild dryness from developing into uncomfortable cracked lips.
When Should You Get Advice About Cracked Lips?
Most cases of dry or chapped lips improve with regular care and protection from the weather. However, lips that remain severely cracked, swollen, painful or irritated may have another cause.
If your lips are not improving, frequently bleed, develop sores or become badly inflamed, consider asking a pharmacist, GP or other healthcare professional for advice.
Keep Your Lips Comfortable This Winter
The key to stopping lips cracking in winter is protecting them before they become severely dry. Regular lip balm, avoiding lip licking and protecting your lips from cold wind can all help.
Once you have a simple routine in place, it becomes much easier to keep your lips soft and comfortable throughout the colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my lips crack more in winter?
Cold air, wind and dry indoor heating can all reduce moisture on the surface of your lips. Because the skin on the lips is thin and has less natural protection than other areas of the face, it can dry out quickly during winter.
What is the best way to stop lips cracking in winter?
Apply lip balm regularly, especially before going outside and before bed. Avoid licking, biting or picking your lips, and protect them from cold wind whenever possible.
Should I exfoliate cracked lips?
Avoid exfoliating lips that are already cracked, sore or bleeding. Exfoliation can make the irritation worse. Focus on keeping the lips moisturised and protected until they have healed.
How often should I use lip balm in winter?
Apply lip balm whenever your lips begin to feel dry. It is also useful to apply it before going outdoors, after eating or drinking if needed, and before bed.
When should I get help for badly cracked lips?
If your lips remain very sore, swollen, repeatedly bleed, develop sores or do not improve with regular care, consider asking a pharmacist, GP or other healthcare professional for advice.
