Why are my lips so dry?

Introduction

Chapped lips are uncomfortable yet very common, but that doesn’t mean you need to continue to suffer from them. If you find yourself wondering ‘why are my lips so dry?’ every winter, there are a few possible reasons – but also a range of effective ways to treat and prevent them.

To improve your symptoms, we break down what causes dry lips – from environmental factors to underlying skin or health conditions. The skin on lips is thinner than the rest of the body and therefore more susceptible to everyday stressors. Discover how to return hydration and protect this sensitive skin area with the right lip care ahead.

Everyday causes of dry lips

Most causes of chapped or dry lips are easily identifiable and simple to address. Let’s explore some of the external and internal factors that can affect the skin on your lips.

Weather and environment

There’s a reason the colder seasons seem to coincide with an increase in dry lips. When the weather is dry, windy, cold, or has low humidity, the air pulls moisture from our skin¹. The skin on our lips lacks the oil and sweat glands on the rest of our body, making them dry out even quicker in these conditions. Heating, air conditioning, and sun exposure can have the same effects.

Dehydration

Dehydration can show up in a number of ways. It occurs when you don’t have enough fluids in your body – typically from not drinking enough water, but also if you have a fever, after strenuous exercise, or as a side effect of alcohol consumption². Dry lips are one of the first signs of dehydration.

Lip licking and mouth breathing

When your lips feel dry or cracked, it can be tempting to lick them. While it feels momentarily soothing, the ensuing moisture evaporation actually leaves lips drier than before. Mouth breathing during sleep or as a result of nasal congestion also has a similar drying effect³ to the throat, mouth and lips.

Lip products and irritants

Lip balms, lipsticks and even toothpaste can trigger contact or allergic reactions. Flavoured or fragranced ingredients like SLS or certain flavouring agents can sometimes be a factor in lips feeling dry⁴. If you notice your lips tingling or feeling drier after using certain products, consider switching to a simple, fragrance-free lip balm.

Could a nutrient gap be a factor?

Diet can also play a part in dry or sore lips, especially if the symptom is persistent. Cracks in lips (especially at the corners of the mouth) can sometimes be linked to low iron, B-vitamins (B2/B3/B12) or zinc⁵. If you think diet could be a factor in your lips, it’s worthwhile having a chat with your pharmacist or GP.

Underlying skin or health conditions

There are also some causes of dry lips which are less common but worth knowing about – let’s explore them below.

Angular cheilitis (cracking at the corners of the mouth)

Dry chapped lips and inflammation at the corners of the mouth can also be caused by exposure to saliva build-up or bacterial components⁶. This non-contagious condition usually responds well to simple care such as hydration and using lip balms. If the symptoms persist or you have any concerns, speak to your pharmacist or GP. They may prescribe you with oral or topical treatment options.

Eczema or contact dermatitis on the lips

Lip dermatitis (also known as eczematous cheilitis) is an eczema-like reaction centering on and around the lips⁷. This may be an inherent characteristic of an internal condition – but ongoing redness, itching and scaling is worth being assessed, rather than self-treating long term.

Other possible contributors

Dry or chapped lips can also result from other medical conditions or certain medications. Thyroid conditions, acne treatments such as isotretinoin, and blood pressure medicines may occasionally cause lips to become dry. If you’re on regular medication and experience persistent dryness, have a conversation with your pharmacist or GP.

Chapped lips or a cold sore — how to tell the difference

Though both cause discomfort, cold sores and dry lips also have distinct characteristics. Cold sores usually cause pain or tingling in the area before they appear, and result in a cluster of small blisters. Chapped lips cause skin to be dry and sometimes flaky or cracked, but without blistering. If unsure what your symptoms mean, check in with a pharmacist. They can help find the right treatment.

How to treat and help prevent dry lips

You can treat dry lips with simple care. The following steps are easy to implement and may help in relieving your chapped lips:

• Apply a fragrance-free lip balm alongside SPF during the day. Doing this regularly, and not just when lips feel dry, will support your skin hydration and health.
• Avoid licking your lips
• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids and electrolytes
• Use a humidifier in dry or heated rooms
• Avoid picking at the area

When to see a Pharmacist or doctor about dry lips

It’s a good idea to get checked if dryness or cracking doesn’t go away after a few weeks despite self care. If you experience painful splits or bleeding, spreading redness or swelling, signs of infection such as pus or increasing pain, or dry lips alongside other symptoms like excessive thirst or fatigue, speak to your GP.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my lips always dry no matter what I do?

Persistently dry lips are very common and might be caused by a combination of factors, such as cold or windy weather, frequent lip licking or an underlying skin condition. If self-care is not helping, a Blooms Pharmacist or GP can help identify what might be contributing to the problem.

What vitamin deficiency causes dry lips?

Low levels of certain nutrients, including iron, vitamin B and zinc, can sometimes be linked to dry or cracked lips, particularly when cracking occurs at the corners of the mouth. However, a deficiency is not always the cause, and taking supplements is not a solution in itself.

Can dehydration really cause dry lips?

Yes, dehydration is a common cause of dry lips. Drinking enough fluids throughout the day, especially during hot weather or in dry indoor environments, can help keep lips and skin better hydrated.

Why are the corners of my lips cracked?

Cracks at the corners of the mouth are often caused by a condition called angular cheilitis, which can develop when moisture becomes trapped and irritates the skin. It is usually manageable, but if symptoms keep returning or do not improve, it is worth having them checked by your GP.

How can I stop my lips getting dry all the time?

Consistent care – like using a lip balm with SPF, avoiding licking your lips, staying hydrated and choosing fragrance-free lip products can all help prevent dryness.

Conclusion

In most cases, dry lips are linked to everyday factors such as weather, hydration or product irritation – and can often be improved with a few simple changes to your routine. If your symptoms are persistent, recurring or accompanied by unusual cracking, soreness or inflammation, a conversation with a Blooms Pharmacist can help identify the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.