Do you find yourself applying layer after layer of lip balm with little to no effect? Despite daily care, your lips might still feel dry and chapped—and the secret often doesn’t lie in the product you’re using, but rather in seemingly harmless everyday habits that unknowingly strip your lips of their natural moisture.
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In fact, the lips are among the most sensitive parts of the body due to their physiology. They lack oil glands and are covered by a thin layer of skin, making them highly susceptible to climate changes and harmful habits. The worst part? Many of these habits are done unintentionally, under the belief that we’re caring for our lips when we may actually be damaging them.
Here are 9 common mistakes that might be the hidden reason behind your dry, chapped lips—plus healthy alternatives to help you restore their natural softness and shine:
1. Using Lip Balms with Fragrance or Menthol
Even the best formulas can backfire if they contain strong fragrances or menthol, which can irritate lips and increase dryness, according to beauty expert Amy Deane-Burg. If you're a regular balm user and see no improvement, this might be the culprit.
2. Forgetting Sun Protection
Choosing a balm with SPF can make all the difference. Sun damage is a major contributor to lip dryness and cracking. Always protect this sensitive area with a lip balm that contains at least SPF 15 and reapply as needed.
3. Dehydration and Not Drinking Enough Water
Since lips lack oil glands, they're more prone to dryness from fluid loss. Drink plenty of water daily, and consider omega-3 supplements (like fish oil) to help hydrate the skin from within—after consulting your doctor.
4. Using Matte Lipsticks
Matte lipsticks often contain more wax and fewer hydrating oils than glossy ones, making them more drying. They can emphasize any existing dryness or cracks. If you still want to wear matte lipstick, apply a petroleum-based balm for a few days beforehand to prep your lips.
5. Shimmery or Glitter Lipsticks
While visually appealing, these lipsticks may irritate the delicate skin of your lips. Glitter is known to irritate the eye area, and the same can happen on lips. To avoid this, layer them over a protective base of balm or petroleum jelly.
6. Constant Lip Licking
We often lick our lips without realizing, especially when they feel dry. But this habit backfires—saliva contains enzymes meant to break down food, and these can erode the thin skin on the lips, causing further dryness once the saliva evaporates.
7. Excessive Sweating
Sweat can be a hidden cause of dry, chapped lips. The salts in sweat pull moisture from the skin. Letting sweat dry on your lips or face may also cause oxidative stress. It's best to cleanse your lips and face right after workouts.
8. Drooling During Sleep
Though unnoticed, nighttime drooling is a common cause of cracked lip corners. It can lead to angular cheilitis—inflammation at the mouth’s corners. This is especially common in people who wear braces or dentures, as drooling may worsen overnight.
9. Not Exfoliating Lips Regularly
Exfoliation is a balancing act—overdoing it is harmful, but skipping it entirely is also problematic. Dead skin buildup can block effective balm absorption. Gently exfoliate once a week using a mild sugar scrub, soft toothbrush, or a dedicated lip scrub.
Source: Zahret Al Khaleej
