Chapped Lips: Causes and Treatments, Per Dermatologists

You can also layer your lip products. Think of it as slugging your lips. Dr. Zeichner recommends starting with a formula that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid (to hydrate) and peptides (to strengthen skin), followed by a layer of Vaseline to seal in the moisture. We’re fans of Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster and Ole Henriksen’s Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment (a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner).

Also, “apply lip balm before going outdoors as a preventative measure,” says Dr. Zeichner, noting Vaseline petroleum jelly to be the best out there. “Triple purified petrolatum is one of the best ingredients to hydrate, protect, and repair the lips,” he adds.

It’s important to use added SPF in your balm if your skin is inflamed and you think you may be getting added sun exposure, says Dr. Ilyas. “If your dry, chapped lips are affected by the sun, they can burn easily and possibly trigger a fever blister outbreak. If you already have dry lips, it’s possible for more fever blisters or cold sores to spread in that dry, cracked skin,” she explains. Coola Liplux Organic Tinted Lip Balm comes in four pretty shades, while EltaMD’s UV Lip Balm pairs mineral protection with vitamins C and E.

How can you treat chapped lips?

The best way to treat chapped lips is to prevent them in the first place, explains Dr. Zeichner. “The goal is to care for your lips like you would any other body part,” adds Dr. Bhanusali. “Applying a product after you’ve got out of the shower or right before bed is ideal.” Dr. Zeichner also recommends applying balm after eating to ensure lips are properly hydrated throughout the day.

Exfoliating can be a great way to rid flakes but you must be careful not to overdo it. “If you see flakes, my first recommendation is to give the skin what it’s asking for, which is hydration,” he says. “After moisturizing the lips, if there are still flakes, you can use gentle sugar scrubs.” Dior’s Lip Sugar Scrub comes in a convenient tube format, and Sara Happ The Lip Scrub gently buffs away flakes.

Be sure to follow this up with thick hydrating products. “The raw skin left over will need to be protected to allow healing to occur,” says Dr. Ilyas. “If you are sensitive to flavors, choose an unscented option,” says Dr. Bhanusali, recommending Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment, a product he helped formulate. We also love Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask for this, too.

If your lips aren’t improving after a week or so, Dr. Zeichner advises seeing your dermatologist because further investigation or prescription options may be needed for additional help to get chapped lips under control.

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