Dry lips are something most of us will experience at some point in our lives.

Dry lips are a common problem that many of us face, and they can lead to discomfort, visible cracks and even pain. In our guide to lip care, we aim to provide you with our best tips and tricks to help you look after your lips as well as possible in your daily life and combat dry lips effectively.

The answer to ‘Why do you get dry lips?’ is crucial, as understanding the causes can pave the way for better lip care.

The skin on our lips is significantly thinner than the skin covering the rest of our body. This makes our lips particularly sensitive to external factors such as cold, wind and dry air. Furthermore, our lips lack the protective oil glands found in other areas of the skin, which deprives them of the natural oils that normally help to retain moisture.

Dehydration

One of the main causes of dry lips is dehydration. When our water intake is insufficient, our whole body, including our lips, can suffer from dehydration. This condition can manifest itself clearly as dry, chapped lips.

Weather conditions and temperature changes

Cold winter weather affects not only the lips, but the skin as a whole. The biting wind and chilly temperatures can strip away essential moisture, leading to "winter skin". This condition refers to the pronounced dryness and dehydration that our skin, including our lips, experiences during these frosty months. Conversely, the hot temperatures and increased solar radiation of summer can also lead to dry lips. The sun’s UV rays can damage the delicate skin of the lips, whilst the warm air and higher humidity levels can cause us to sweat more, increasing the risk of dehydration. That is why it is all the more important to give our skin and lips the extra care and protection they need by adapting our lip care routine throughout the year.

Moistening your lips with your tongue

It may seem intuitive to moisten dry lips with your tongue; however, whilst this action provides momentary relief, in the long run it is more harmful than helpful. Saliva evaporates quickly, and this evaporation can exacerbate dryness and leave the lips parched.

Medicines and health conditions

Some medicines list dry lips as a potential side effect. Furthermore, certain health conditions can predispose people to experiencing dry lips.

Nutrition

A diet lacking in essential vitamins and nutrients can contribute to dry lips, as these elements are fundamental to skin health. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of the skin, including our lips. 

Illness and allergies

When we are ill or suffering from allergies, a blocked nose can force us to breathe through our mouths. This mouth breathing can lead to the lips drying out more quickly, as the constant flow of air draws out moisture.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to achieve kissable, soft and well-cared-for lips.

Exfoliation isn’t just for the face and body; our lips can benefit from it too. Regular exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells, leaving your lips feeling soft and allowing your lip care products to penetrate more deeply. You can easily exfoliate your lips at home using everyday items such as sugar, a toothbrush and honey. You can also buy a lip scrub.

Karmameju’s PROUD face exfoliating mask is a good choice for this. This mask combines black volcanic sand with pomegranate enzyme for gentle yet effective exfoliation. The mask can then be removed using the included 100% organic muslin cloth, which acts as a micro-exfoliant in its own right and can easily be used on the lips on its own. Generally, it’s recommended to exfoliate your lips once or twice a week. However, if you suffer from particularly dry lips, it may be beneficial to increase the frequency to 3–4 times a week.

“STAY HYDRATED – drink water”, we write on many of Karmameju’s products. Internal hydration is crucial for combating dry lips and maintaining the skin’s overall health. Keeping a bottle of water on your desk or carrying one with you when you’re out and about can be a good reminder to drink plenty of water. When you make sure to drink enough water throughout the day, you hydrate your body from the inside out, which directly benefits the condition of your lips.

A well-balanced diet is a key part of the answer to the question: ‘What helps with dry lips?’ Eating foods rich in essential vitamins, particularly vitamins E and C, can be a game-changer for lip hydration. 

Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant that deeply moisturises and protects the lips, whilst vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen production and ensures that our lips remain plump and healthy. To reap these benefits, it’s important to include citrus fruits, berries, nuts and leafy greens in your daily meals.

Dry lips can be caused by everything from weather conditions to personal habits. But here are your must-dos:

1. Use high-quality lip care that quenches your lips’ thirst – find your favourite and always keep it to hand.
2. Exfoliate your lips every now and then – especially if they’re really dry.
3. Stay hydrated – drink enough water; your body, the rest of your skin (and your lips) will thank you.
4. Maintain a nutritious diet – fill your plate with vitamin-rich foods.

So, take good care of yourself. With a little consistent care, you can easily achieve and maintain healthy, well-cared-for and kissable lips!