How to take care of chapped lips this winter

Why do we get chapped lips?

The skin on our lips has three to five cellular layers, compared to typical facial skin, which has up to 16 layers. The lips also lack the oil glands found in other parts of the skin. Therefore, as the weather gets colder and there is less humidity, the outdoor air combined with the indoor central heating can dehydrate our skin and cause lips to crack, peel and bleed - a condition known as cheilitis simplex.

Dermatologist Dr Anton Alexandroff explains: "Cold and windy weather can have negative effects on our skin. The winter weather can strip it of moisture, causing the skin to become dry, chapped and prone to flaking.

"Our lips are particularly vulnerable to this, as they are so often exposed to the elements. The skin is also thinner here, than on other parts of our body."

What else can cause chapped lips in winter?

The weather isn't always the cause of sore lips, however.

Daniel Glass, Consultant Dermatologist, The Dermatology Clinic, London says: "Dry or chapped lips can be caused by a number of factors - such as eczema or contact allergic dermatitis.

"Sometimes infections such as candida or staphylococcus can cause inflammation of the corner of the lips - as can iron or vitamin B deficiency. The initial infection with the herpes or cold sore virus can result in eroded, scaly skin on the lips."

Coeliac disease can also lead to inflammation of the corners of the mouth, which can be mistaken for chapping. Certain drugs can cause dry chapped lips - most commonly retinoids, such as isotretinoin used in acne treatment. If you already struggle with dry lips, cold and wintry weather can make the problem worse.

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How to treat chapped lips

Dr Alexandroff says you should moisturise your lips regularly, reapplying throughout the day and before bed.

He adds: "It's also important to make sure that you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water."

Dry lips can also be helped by gentle exfoliation to ensure you are removing any dry flaky skin from the surface of your lips. Although this won't address the problem, it may help to reduce the scale sitting on the surface of the lips.

Check the ingredients

Although many of us tend to have a range of different lip balms stashed away in our coat pockets, bags, and bedside tables, it's important to make sure you are using the right balm to avoid making your lips more sore.

Dr Daron Seukeran, Group Medical Director for the skincare clinic group sk:n explains: "There can be ingredients in some lip balms that can cause eczematous dermatitis which can affect the lips and the skin surrounding the lips."

Some lip balms contain ingredients that can potentially cause an allergic reaction.

"The best advice is to keep it simple," says Seukeran. "Many people like using a nice smelling or tasting lip balm, but it is best to use a non-fragranced lip balm as a moisturiser which also contains a sun protection ingredient."

Dr Vishal Madan, Consultant Dermatologist, Everything Skin Clinic, says bland emollients such as Vaseline can be good, as the likelihood of allergies with these are rare. He also advises looking out for hypoallergenic balms.

"The most important thing when purchasing a lip balm is to make sure that it works for you," he says. "If your lips burn, sting, or feel uncomfortable when you apply a product to your lips, it is irritating your lips. If this is the case, you should stop using this product and try another one."

When to visit your doctor or pharmacist for chapped lips

If you have a small, fluid-filled blister on your lip or around your mouth, you may have a cold sore. Cold sores should start to heal within 10 days, but are contagious and may be irritating or painful while they heal. Antiviral creams and patches are available from your pharmacist.