Chapped lips are the scourge of the winter season. (Actually, it might be a tie between that and slushy sidewalks.) By mid-winter, we're either biting off the dead skin (it's weirdly satisfying), brushing away flakes, or giving up and accepting that we're just going to have to save the matte liquid lipstick for March. Even if you do take the initiative and stock up on your favorite balm, you might find that it's still not enough—because it's not. There are other, sneaky factors making your chapped lips worse, and you won't find the solution in a tube. We asked the experts to explain exactly why your lips are so dry and chapped—and what you can do about it.
Using the Wrong Formula
That lip-plumping balm isn't doing you any favors, since many of the formulas contain irritating ingredients (which is often how they plump your lips in the first place). "Cooling lip products that contain ingredients like menthol or camphor can cause skin inflammation and dryness," says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., dermatologist and director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. If you're really suffering, Zeichner recommends going with fragrance- and flavor-free formulas, like Fresh Advanced Therapy Sugar Lip Treatment ($26). The more basic it is, the better off you'll be.
Wearing Lipstick 24/7
If you're one of those people who cannot be seen without your signature red lipstick, we apologize in advance. Lip color is not exactly a priority in the winter months, since if you have chapped lips, you need re-up on the balm whenever you head outdoors. "Wear it while you sleep and also apply before stepping outside," advises Joanna Vargas, a celebrity facialist in NYC. "This protects the lips—then, you can always apply a color once you arrive wherever you're going." Or go with a tinted lip balm, like Burt's Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm ($6 for two).
Doubling Down on Balm
As with sangria and snow, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. If your lips are under a constant layer of heavy lip balms, you could be doing more harm than good. "Constant, chronic use of occlusive lip balms may initially help your lips, but they may interfere with the ability for your lips to function properly," explains Zeichner. Basically, dryness sends a signal to your lips that they need to produce more moisture. If you're layering on balm 24/7, you could lose those cues and your lips won't produce as much oil as they should—kicking off a cycle of chapped lips.
Too Much Scrubbing
If you've ever peeled dead skin off your lips, you probably know the value of a good lip scrub. But if you're using it on a nightly basis, you're actually worsening the situation. "Don't overdo the exfoliation," says Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., a dermatologist and founder of Capital Laser & Skin Care in Washington, D.C. "Once a week is good, or you risk irritating your lips and making them even drier."
