Before we can master the latest lip trends like blurred lips, glitter lips or dark lipstick, the first order of business is dealing with chapped lips. As much as we love lip color, the last thing we want is to further irritate flaky, dry lips. Not to mention that a cracked pout is not a solid foundation for any #flawless lipstick look.
What causes chapped lips?
Dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, M.D. says there’s a legitimate reason why many of us are constantly plagued by chapped lips. The lip area has a lower density of oil glands and it’s almost always exposed to the elements, she says. Most of us know that the cold weather and wind can steal moisture from lips, but heat, sun and even saliva can cause chapping. Dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D. says these disruptions of the skin barrier result in dryness, peeling, flaking and itching. It typically begins with the outer skin layer developing microscopic cracks, with more severe cases causing lips to crack and split. Ouch.
Prevention is key
Of course, preventing chapped lips in the first place is key. “It’s best to help protect lips before damage happens rather than try to repair it afterward,” says Sage Lehman, founder of Love + Sage. To ensure kissers stay hydrated, nourishing lip balms with thicker formulas containing wax or natural emollients are ideal, says dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, M.D. And don’t forget about sun protection when going outdoors. Keep lip balms with SPF handy for touch-ups and drink plenty of water to ensure you (and your lips) stay hydrated.
Your lipstick could be making chapped lips worse
Sorry lipstick lovers, but matte formulas could be the cause of your dry lips. According to Zeichner, ingredients like camphor, menthol and salicylic acid should be avoided if lips are chapped. They may initially seem like they’re improving chapped lips, but in the long run, they typically cause more irritation and inflammation. Additionally, licking lips is a no-no as the pH of saliva is acidic, which is more irritating than hydrating, adds Nussbaum. Chapped lips could also be due to a contact allergy, in which case a patch test would be needed to identify the cause (e.g., fragrance, dye, lanolin, etc.).
How to heal chapped lips
If lips do become chapped, a good lip balm combined with some occasional exfoliation is often enough to heal lips, according to the experts. For exfoliators, a soft-bristled toothbrush, washcloth or sugar scrub will buff away dry skin without causing irritation. Just remember to be gentle as lips are delicate. Use a scrub a couple of times a week at most. Never forget the all-important lip balm finish as Engelman says flaking means a lack of hydration, not just exfoliation.
Click through the gallery above to see the top-rated products for treating dry, chapped lips.
[ Next: 7 New Lip Treatments That Go Way Beyond Your Basic Balm ]
How to Heal Your Dry, Chapped Lips Once and for All (SEO)
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Bite Beauty
Agave Lip Mask, $26 at Sephora
This intensive, emollient lip treatment is handcrafted with agave nectar and jojoba oil to soothe dry lips and replenish much-needed moisture. Made with all-natural ingredients, it has a subtle, sweet taste and smell that's completely addictive. Use it at bedtime for an overnight mask or choose one of the sheer tinted colors for a daytime treatment.
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Elizabeth Arden
Eight Hour Cream Nourishing Lip Balm Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 20, $22 at Nordstrom
Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream is a classic. This is the lip balm version for remedying dry lips. It contains eight (of course) essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients to keep pouts smooth and supple. It also offers sun protection against UVA/UVB rays because lips can get burned, even in winter.
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Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Treatment, $9.99 at Neutrogena
This quenching treatment provides relief to cracked, dry lips without leaving behind a waxy residue. The neutral shade can be worn on its own or layered under any lip color.
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Doctor Rogers
RESTORE Healing Balm, $30 at Doctor Rogers
This multipurpose balm is dubbed the world's first all-natural, plant-based, petroleum-free ointment for dry skin. It provides serious nourishment and a protective barrier without sealing skin off from air and water. It can be rubbed on dry lips, nails, dry skin, heels and can also be used to heal cuts and burns.
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ChapStick
Total Hydration 3 in 1 Coconut Lip Balm, $2.99 at Target
Fans of the classic cherry ChapStick can expand their collection with this coconut formula. The three-in-one treatment moisturizes, renews and transforms with the help of omegas 3, 6 and 9. Apply it once and it will keep kissers comfortable for up to eight hours.
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Glossier
Birthday Balm Dotcom, $12 at Glossier
Don't let the sheer shimmer, glittery packaging or sweet-smelling scent fool you, this is one seriously hydrating balm. Packed with antioxidants and natural emollients, the thick, waxy texture offers long-lasting protection and relief for dry, chapped lips.
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Dr.Lipp LTD
Original Nipple Balm for Dry Skin, Luscious Lips & Glossy Bits, $16.50 at Space.NK
There's one ingredient in this natural lip balm and that's 100 percent medical-grade lanolin. It's pleasingly thick, which means a dab is sufficient to adequately cover lips. It's tasteless and odorless, but leaves behind a subtle sheen that lasts longer than some glosses. Yes, it can be applied anywhere there's dry skin, hence the name.
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Herbivore Botanicals
Coco Rose Lip Conditioner, $22 at Herbivore Botanicals
This lip conditioner is everything we're looking for in skin care at the moment. It's small batch and made with plant-based, organic and food-grade ingredients. The heroes in the lippie are organic virgin coconut oil and rose absolute, meaning it's packed with hydration and smells divine.
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Burt's Bees
Lip Balm, $3.29 at Ulta
Want to break away from the typical strawberry or vanilla lip balm? Burt's Bees has the classics plus a few fresh offerings. How about pink grapefruit or coconut and pear? It's not just the lip-smacking flavors that will make it worth a repeat buy. The hydrating lip balm is made with natural ingredients and contains no parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS. It contains beeswax and fruit extracts that produce a soft matte finish without any tint.
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Kiehl's
Lip Balm #1, $7 at Nordstrom
There's a reason why this lip balm has #1 in its name. It's the gold standard of nourishing products for chapped lips since 1969 because it protects from the drying effects of wind and frigid temperatures. Soothing aloe vera, squalane and vitamin E restore lips' natural moisture barrier. The excess formula absorbs into skin, so it doesn't feel heavy or sticky.
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Lush
Ultrabalm All-Purpose Balm, $16.95 at Lush
This little pot proves that you don't need a lot of things to make a fantastic product. It has just three plant-based ingredients: rose wax, candelilla wax and organic jojoba oil. The vegan lip balm soothes while forming a protective barrier over lips. It can also be rubbed on other dry, cracked body parts, like elbows and knees.
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C.O. Bigelow
Rose Salve Lip Balm, $5.50 at Nordstrom
The Rose Salve Lip Balm is a classic product that continues to get major love. It helps treat and prevent chapped lips. The rose in the formula isn't just to make it smell garden-fresh, it also helps soothe irritated lips.
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Drunk Elephant
Lippe Balm, $18 at Sephora
This lip balm isn't just moisturizing. It's volumizing, too. Apply it at least once a day and lips will be smooth, plump and flake-free. The antioxidant-rich formula also helps keep kissers youthful by fighting free radicals and environmental aggressors.
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Lanolips
101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm, $16.95 at Ulta
This petrolatum-free "superbalm" is something we want to apply over our entire body. The pure lanolin blend has a unique molecular structure that mimics skin oils. Plus, it holds a staggering 200 percent its weight in moisture. Dot a bit on cracked lips, dry cheeks, elbows and hands. A little bit will go a surprisingly long way.
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First Aid Beauty
Ultra Repair Intensive Lip Balm, $20 at First Aid Beauty
"Intensive" is exactly what we want in products to treat chapped lips. The concentrated formula will keep lips flake-free with regular use thanks to the humectant-rich, calming formula. Stash a jar in each coat pocket and handbag.
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EOS
Medicated Lip Balm, $3.29 at EOS
Make sure that you have all the EOS formulas in addition to all of the colorful spheres and flavors. This cooling chamomile medicated lip treatment helps heal dry lips. The dermatologist-tested formula relieves pain while working to ensure that lips don't get chapped thanks to hydrating butters and oils. It works without using gluten, petrolatum or parabens.
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Dr.Jart+
Ceramidin Lipair, $15 at Birchbox
Dry, chapped lips be gone with a lick of this hydrating treatment. The dermatologist-tested lip balm is proven to be hypoallergenic, so it shouldn't irritate sensitive skin. What it does do is provide major hydration. It has a ceramide base that's jam-packed full of nourishing oils.
