Winter-Proof Your Lips: How to Beat Dryness and Chapping

Winter may be the season for snowfall and cozy woolen sweaters, but it’s also when your lips are most likely to feel dry, chapped, and uncomfortable. If it feels like your lips are constantly battling the cold, dry air and harsh winds, you’re not alone.

Unlike other parts of your skin, lips don’t have oil glands to protect them from moisture loss, which makes them extra vulnerable during the colder months. But fear not — keeping your lips soft and smooth all winter long is completely doable. Keep reading to learn how.

Hydrate Inside and Out 

The foundation of any good skincare routine is hydration, and your lips are no exception. Drinking enough water might sound simple, but it’s one of the best ways to keep your skin — including your lips — moisturized from within. 

During the winter, when we’re often more focused on hot drinks than hydration, it’s easy to let this habit slip. Keep a water bottle handy and sip it throughout the day to stay hydrated. 

Make Lip Balm Your Cold-Weather Companion 

When it comes to external hydration, always keep a high-quality lip balm close by. Whether it’s in your coat pocket, bag, or bedside table, make sure you’re never far from this winter essential. 

However, remember that not all lip balms are created equal. Avoid products with menthol, camphor, or eucalyptus, as these ingredients can dry out your lips over time. Instead, stick to formulas with nourishing ingredients like lanolin, cocoa butter, or natural oils. 

Apply your balm liberally throughout the day, especially before heading outdoors or after eating and drinking. The aptly named GlyMed Plus Hydrating Lip Balm is an excellent option, packed with healing botanicals like jojoba, avocado oil, and sunflower seed oil.

Break the Lip-Licking Habit 

If your lips are feeling dry, it’s tempting to lick them for a quick hit of moisture. Unfortunately, this well-meaning habit does more harm than good. 

Saliva evaporates quickly, taking even more moisture with it and leaving your lips drier than before. Instead of licking, reapply your balm regularly to keep your lips hydrated and protected. 

Protect Your Lips from the Elements 

Winter winds and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your lips, so a little extra protection goes a long way. Always apply a generous coat of lip balm before stepping outside, and choose one with SPF to shield your lips from UV rays. After all, the sun can still damage your skin in winter.

For additional defense, consider wrapping a scarf loosely over your mouth when heading out into the cold. This simple step helps block the wind and prevents your lips from losing moisture. Plus, you’ll feel a lot warmer and cozier.

Watch your Environment

Your environment also plays a big role in the health of your lips, especially during winter. Indoor heating might keep you warm, but it also sucks moisture out of the air, leaving your lips dry and chapped. Combat this by using a humidifier to add moisture back into your home. 

Additionally, avoid overusing matte lipsticks, which can be drying. Opt for hydrating formulas instead. A little attention to your surroundings can make a big difference in keeping your lips soft and smooth.

Repair While You Sleep 

Your lips work hard all day, so let the nighttime be their time to recover and repair. Before bed, apply a thick layer of a nourishing lip balm or a mask. Look for products with ingredients like ceramides or glycerin, which provide intense hydration and help heal any cracks or peeling. 

This nighttime routine repairs damage and preps your lips to handle whatever the next day’s weather throws at them. The PCA Skin Overnight Lip Mask is specially designed to intensely hydrate and nourish lips while you snooze, helping retain essential moisture.

When to Seek Extra Help 

Sometimes, no matter how much TLC you give your lips, they stay persistently dry or cracked. This could be a sign of an underlying issue like a vitamin deficiency or an allergic reaction to a product you’re using. If you’ve tried everything and your lips still won’t heal, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist to explore other solutions.

Keep Your Lips Winter-Ready 

You can easily winter-proof your pout by staying mindful of hydration, protecting your lips from the elements, and choosing the right products. Say goodbye to dry, cracked lips and hello to a smooth, hydrated smile that can handle anything frosty winter throws your way.

Do you want more beauty advice? Here’s how to find the perfect brow product for you.