Dry lips are a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Dehydration: when the body is dehydrated, the skin, including the lips, can become dry and cracked.
Cold weather: cold temperatures and low humidity can cause the lips to dry out.
Wind: strong winds can dry out the lips by blowing away natural oils.
Sun exposure: sun exposure can dry out the lips and cause them to chap and crack.
Medications: certain medications, such as antihistamines, can cause dryness of the lips.
Lip-licking: licking the lips can dry out the lips by removing natural oils.
Medical conditions: some medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and Sjogren's syndrome, can also cause dry lips.
Treatment options for dry lips include:
Lip balm: lip balms can provide a protective barrier for the lips and help to lock in moisture.
Petroleum jelly: applying petroleum jelly to the lips can help to seal in moisture.
Coconut oil: coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help to soothe and hydrate the lips.
Humidifier: using a humidifier can help to add moisture to the air and prevent dryness of the lips.
Avoid licking lips: licking the lips can remove natural oils and make the lips drier.
Drink more water: drinking more water can help to hydrate the body and prevent dryness of the lips.
Exfoliation: gently exfoliating the lips once a week can help to remove dead skin cells and improve the appearance of dry lips