Most people associate chapped lips with the wintertime, but the truth is, you can have dry, cracked lips any time of year. Why? Unlike other parts of your body, your lips don’t have sweat or oil (sebaceous) glands. This means they don’t produce their own natural layer of oils and moisture to help protect them from the elements. So, whether you’re lounging at the beach or hitting the slopes, it’s a good idea to keep your lips protected.

While most areas of your body have hair as an extra level of protection, your lips are one of three areas that don’t (your palms and the soles of your feet are the other two)!

Here are a few common causes of dry, chapped lips—some might even surprise you!

Dry air
A major irritant to the exposed skin of your lips, you’re likely exposed to dry air both inside and outside. So wherever you go, dry air wicks away moisture from your lips.
 

Sun exposure
Soaking up rays is also a culprit of dry, chapped lips (even in cold climates!). Winter or summer, if the sun is out, your lips can be affected.
 

Licking your lips
This is one of the worst things that you can do when you have dry, chapped lips. While you may think that you’re adding immediate moisture, licking your lips actually makes them drier. Why? When the saliva dries up, the moisture from your lips goes with it.

Now that you know what causes dry, chapped lips, let’s talk about how you can take care of them. Here are some simple remedies to help restore your lips to their soft, kissable best!

Drink up
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Thirst isn’t the best indicator of when your body needs water. In fact, many adults may not get thirsty until after they are dehydrated. So, if your mouth starts to feel a little dry, have a drink of water.
 

Avoid certain flavors
Believe it or not, what you eat can play a role in drying out your lips. Certain flavors, like cinnamon, citrus, mint, and peppermint, can irritate your lips. It’s best to eat these flavors in moderation, and to stay away from them when your lips are chapped already.
 

Layer on protection
Remember how lips don’t create their own moisture barrier? Add one! Aquaphor® Lip Repair provides oils and moisture that soothe chapped lips, as well as nourishing vitamins and soothing shea butter to help soften lips.

Check out how you can help restore your lips every morning from the team at Pop Sugar!

If your lips don’t improve after a few days, there may be an underlying medical condition. Consider a visit to your healthcare professional for medical advice.

Whatever the season, give your lips that extra bit of love! Preservative and fragrance-free Aquaphor provides effective, long-lasting moisture. Your lips will look—and feel—healthier.