Why Are My Lips So Dry? (+5 Home Remedies For Chapped Lips)

Growing up in Chicago, the winter months meant many things. One of my most feared things? Chapped lips! It may seem like a small problem to have, but if you’ve ever experienced chapped lips, you know how uncomfortably annoying they can be. 

But winter isn’t the only thing that can cause chapped lips, they can happen in spring, summer, and fall, and can happen anywhere (not just cold climates). So, if you’re wondering how to heal chapped lips, you’ve come to the right place.

What Causes Chapped Lips?

There are many factors that can cause dry lips, and if you live somewhere like California (where I currently reside), then you’ve probably wondered, “Why are my lips so dry? It’s 75 degrees during winter!” 😂 Here are some factors that can cause dry lips:

• Less humidity—Let’s start with the obvious, the winter months. When the humidity of summer starts to disappear, chapped lips can occur. And if you’re not constantly moisturizing them, it can make the matter worse. This article will tell you how you can avoid this in the winter months and answer the ever-so-popular question, “Why are my lips so dry?”
• Sun exposure—Okay, now let’s say you live in a sunshine-all-the-time state, like California. Frequent sun exposure can also cause dry lips. If you’re not staying hydrated, it can worsen your dryness. 
• Licking—Yes, licking. You might think that licking your lips is helping to put moisture on them, but it actually dries them out. Saliva from your tongue can actually strip your lips of its natural moisture, creating dryness. I’ll let you in on some easy home remedies for chapped lips for moisture you will see and feel.
• Medications—If you don’t have a history of dry lips, and out of nowhere ask yourself, “Why are my lips so dry?”, it could be due to certain medications. Retinoids, vitamin A, lithium, and chemotherapy drugs have been shown to cause dryness (1). 
• Spicy foods—I know, I know, this one was a bummer for me too. I LOVE spicy foods! Pour the whole jar of red pepper flakes into my spaghetti if you must, just make it SPICY. 🔥 But, if you’re still wondering “Why are my lips so dry?”, this could be why. Spicy foods can irritate dry lips and make them worse, so if you’re experiencing this, maybe pass on that flaming hot cheeto burrito for the time being…

Chapped lips can also be associated with several medical conditions. Thyroid disease, such as low thyroid function can cause dry lips, and vitamin deficiencies such as low zinc or B-complex may also be the culprit. (2) These home remedies for chapped lips may be able to help, but please speak with your dermatologist if you have any of the above for additional recommendations and to see if these remedies are right for you. 

Hopefully by now you are no longer wondering, “why are my lips so dry”—but if you do try these home remedies for chapped lips and still don’t see any improvement, speak with your dermatologist, as this could be a results of actinic cheilitis, or chronic chapped lips due to sun damage. (3) 

Ready for how to heal chapped lips? Check out these home remedies for chapped lips below, and never ask the burning question again, “Why are my lips so dry?”! (See what I did there? 😉)

Home Remedies For Chapped Lips

How to heal chapped lips can be an easy task at home. These home remedies for chapped lips are simple things you can incorporate into your everyday life and get your lips soft, moisturized, and oh-so-kissable. 💋

1. Lip balm

This home remedy for chapped lips is an easy one on how to heal chapped lips, because lip balm is something you hopefully already have at home! Lip balm contains waxes and oils that form a protective barrier over your skin, and certain lip balms even contain sunscreen. 

2. Drink lots of water

If you’re still asking yourself, “Why are my lips so dry?”, dehydration could be to blame, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. I know this seems like an obvious one, but far too often I too need a friendly reminder to get in my H20!

3. Use a humidifier

How to heal chapped lips can be answered by simply plugging in a humidifier. This home remedy for chapped lips is especially helpful for those who breathe through their mouth at night.

4. Stop licking & picking at your lips

I know it can be tempting to pick at the flakes on your lips when they become dry, but I must encourage you to 🛑. This will only irritate your lips, preventing them from healing. And as much as I know you probably also want to lick your lips when they are dry, I must also insist that you 🛑 this as well, this can just worsen the dryness.

5. Start drinking red juice daily

Red juice, such as SkinnyFit Beauty Juice, contains powerful polyphenols, antioxidants, and vitamins that help moisturize and replenish dull skin. By adding it into your daily routine, not only will it encourage you to drink more water, but you’ll also be helping to avoid chapped lips from the inside out.

The Bottom Line

These home remedies for chapped lips, and tips on how to heal chapped lips are great, everyday practices that are simple enough to be a part of your daily routine. If you’re still asking yourself, “Why are my lips so dry?” talk to your dermatologist to see what they say.