If you’re wondering: why are my lips so dry you’re very much not the only one. Google has seen a breakout in searches for “lips constantly dry” throughout January – proof that dry Jan isn’t just targeting our alcohol intake.
It’s no surprise, in winter our lips seem to have a mind of their own and switch from super smooth to dry and cracked in what seems like hours. But, it’s worth knowing there are a few key causes of dry lips – as well as a couple of bad habits that exacerbate them, which the majority of us are guilty of doing on a daily basis.
It’s also important to understand that the skin on our lips is much more fragile than our skin elsewhere (so if you’re moisturising your face and body daily but missing out a step dedicated to your lips, you’re missing a trick).
We asked the experts “why are my lips so dry and what’s the cause?” Here’s what they had to say…
How is the skin on our lips different to elsewhere?
“One of the main differences between the skin on our lips and the rest of the body is that it is much thinner, typically consisting of 3-5 layers in total compared to as many as 16 on the face,” explains consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk. “Our lips also lack the upper layer of epidermis, known as the stratum corneum, which serves a protective function, prevents dehydration and combats UV radiation,” she adds.
“Another key difference is that our lips do not contain the glands found elsewhere on our skin,” continues Dr Kluk. “They are therefore more likely to get dry and chapped as they don’t have the same natural oils to keep them soft and smooth,” she says.
What causes chapped lips?
There are a number of reasons you could be experiencing dry lips and one of them comes down to a very common habit.
Dehydration
It stands to reason that in order to have hydrated lips, you need to keep your body hydrated. One of the easiest things you can do to keep your lips looking and feeling healthy is to ensure you’re drinking plenty of water. If you’re feeling dry, start there. Keep a large refillable water flask by your desk and sip regularly throughout the day.
Licking your lips
“Licking your lips can very quickly lead to dry and dehydrated lips,” says Rupert Kingston, MUA and co-founder of Delilah. “While it may seem like a natural way to moisten your lips it can in fact make them drier as saliva evaporates pulling the moisture content from the lips. Saliva also contains digestive enzymes which can be very harsh on the delicate skin,” he says.
Environmental exposure
Exposure to the elements is another trigger. Whether it’s a change or drop in temperature, air conditioning or UV rays, they can all lead to chapping and dryness. “Cold, harsh temperatures and reduction in humidity due to central heating can contribute to drying them out,” confirms Dr Kluk.
