Unlike the rest of the body’s skin, the skin on the lips is extremely thin and has no oil glands, making it more prone to drying out. Dealing with chapped, dry lips can be rather uncomfortable. Not only does it ruin the perfect smile, but it can also cause a lot of pain when the lips crack and bleed. Certain mistakes people make, such as the following, could make this worse.

Licking the lips constantly
Many people with dry lips continuously lick them to keep them feeling moist or lubricated. However, this action can do more harm than good. The saliva contains certain enzymes that could dry out the lips, irritating the skin further and increasing the risk of an infection. Be more aware of this habit, and try to reach for a glass of water and a moisturizing lip balm instead of licking the lips.

Not drinking enough water
Dry or chapped lips are quite often an indicator of dehydration. One of the best ways to keep the lips naturally hydrated is by drinking lots of water throughout the day. While the recommended levels differ by one’s location, activity levels, and overall health, it is a good general rule of thumb to drink at least eight glasses of water daily.

Using the wrong lip balm
Yes, the wrong lip balm can also worsen lip chapping! According to certain studies, lip balms containing camphor, eucalyptus, or menthol irritate the lips, worsening dryness. As the lips become dryer, one feels compelled to use them more, creating a toxic loop. It is best to avoid any lip balms with such ingredients and added fragrances or those that cause a stinging or tingling sensation on the lips. Instead, look for moisturizing lip balms made using soothing ingredients such as lanolin, beeswax, and ceramides.

Exposure to harsh weather
Harsh weather can also be a major contributing factor to dry and chapped lips. This is especially true for cold and dry environments. When heading out in such weather, apply a lubricating cream on the lips and try to keep them covered with a scarf.

Excess sun exposure can also cause lip chapping. To minimize damage, always remember to apply a lip balm with SPF or sunscreen before stepping out in the sun.