Dry lips are coming everyone at some point. This is completely normal. But if your lips are flaking, cracking, peeling, or constantly feeling tight, it doesn’t matter how How much lip balm do you apply? Dehydration could be the cause.
For many people, dry lips are more than an inconvenience. It’s your body’s way of telling you that. something is in place.
Because, honestly, chronically dry lips aren’t normal. But don’t stress. There is a lot ways to solve this problem.
Whether you need to drink more water or make some small lifestyle changes, we’re here to guide you in the right direction. In this article, we’ll explain what actually causes dry lips and what you can do to keep your pout smooth, comfortable, and hydrated.
Think of it as finding the root cause instead of just putting a shiny band-aid on the problem.
Dry lips and dehydration: what your body is telling you
Most people think that dry lips are caused only by external factors. Things like sunburn, dry air, and spicy margaritas. But dry lips can also occur due to internal problems.
Of course, a crusty pout can be caused by a combination of factors, making it difficult to identify. Exactly what to change.
But hydration is the best place to start. For what? Because if your body doesn’t have enough water, your lips are one of the first places to show it.
Let’s explain a little more:
Are dry lips a sign of dehydration?
Yes! Dry lips are definitely a sign of dehydration. Just like your skin and hair dry out without adequate hydration, your lips become flaky, chapped and tight when your body doesn’t have enough water.
Why do your lips become dry when you are dehydrated?
Lips do not have sebaceous glands
Unlike the rest of your skin, your lips do not have oil glands. This means they don’t produce sebum to naturally moisturize the area. So, your pout needs as much help from internal hydration as possible.
Dehydration reduces skin moisture
As we mentioned, dehydration can dry out your hair, skin, nails, and lips. And because the skin on your lips is much thinner and more delicate than that on the rest of your face, it’s particularly vulnerable to moisture loss.
Your body prioritizes vital organs
When your body doesn’t have enough water, it uses the moisture it does have to keep all the important things running. Your organs are the first to hydrate and your lips are pretty low on the priority list.
Water loss causes cracking and tenderness
Your lips have a moisture barrier, just like the rest of your skin. But when your body lacks water, this barrier cannot stay strong and healthy. The result? Cracking, chipping, sensitivity.
Dry air can make lips worse
Cold weather, indoor heating, sun exposure, and dry airplane air can all suck moisture from your lips. And if you’re already dehydrated, these environmental stressors can leave your lips very dry.
Licking lips removes moisture
Licking your lips may seem helpful for a second, but it actually makes the dryness worse. The saliva evaporates quickly, taking the moisture with it. As a result, your lips are stuck in a little dehydrated, flaky cycle.
What are the causes of dry lips other than dehydration?
Dehydration isn’t the only thing that can dry out your lips. Of course, this is a good first step to solving the problem. However, if you still suffer from flaking, peeling and irritation, even After When doubling up on your hydration, you may be faced with a combination of factors.
Some other common causes of chapped lips include:
Wind and cold weather
Sun exposure
Dry indoor air
Mouth breathing
Licking lips
Smoking or vaping
Certain medications
Vitamin deficiencies
Eating and drinking something salty, spicy or sour
Allergic reactions to lip products
Irritant Ingredients in Lip Cosmetics
How to Treat Dry Lips from Dehydration
Drink more water (and add hydration boosters).
As we said, staying hydrated is the best first step to treating chapped lips. To encourage yourself to drink more water, treat yourself to a new water bottle and keep sipping all day long. For adequate and balanced hydration, mix The skinny confidential beauty salt in the first drink of the day.
Do not lick or scratch your lips.
If you have a habit of picking or licking your lips, STOP. This will continually dehydrate your skin and break down that moisture barrier. Instead, keep a moisturizing lip balm nearby and reapply before your pout gets dry enough to crack, peel, or tempt you to lick it again.
Use a humidifier and tape at night.
Sleeping with your mouth open? This might be the reason why you constantly have dry lips. To use The Skinny Confidential Mouth Tape to keep those lips sealed and hydrated. (Plus you get all the other benefits of mouth tapeAlso.)
And for extra hydration to your hair, skin and lips, always keep a humidifier in your room.
Exfoliate and use a lip mask once a week.
You have a skin care routineA hair care routineand a body care routine. But what about your lips? To help prevent dryness, gently exfoliate your lips once or twice a week to remove dead, flaky skin. Then apply a lip mask right after to lock in moisture. This will help keep your lips soft, smooth and perfectly plump.
Here is our complete guide to how to exfoliate your lips.
Apply lip balm throughout the day.
If your lips are constantly dry, a single swipe of balm in the morning won’t be enough. Keep a hydrating lip balm with you throughout the day and reapply regularly to help protect that moisture barrier.
Remember that your lips need SPF.
Your lips can get sunburned. Very easily in fact. The skin on your lips is so thin that it burns very easily. Your chapped lips could be a sign of sun damage, so make sure the lip balm you use has SPF.
Be strategic about your lip products.
Not all lip products are equal. Certain ingredients, like menthol, camphor, and strong fragrances, can make dry lips worse over time by further irritating the skin.
Instead, look for nourishing, moisture-locking ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, squalanelanolin, hyaluronic acid and mineral oil. These help support your moisture barrier and keep your lips soft and hydrated throughout the day.
Here are some of Lauryn’s (and the TSC team’s) favorite products:
x, The Skinny Confidential team
+ Copy the exact one from the founder of Pvolve Morning and evening routine.
++ How deeply cleanse your scalp for the healthiest hair possible.
HYDRATE YOUR LIPS:
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