How Can You Soothe Dry, Chapped Lips in Just a Few Steps?

 Dry lips can be painful, irritating and persistent — especially during colder months or when hydration levels drop. But there’s a straightforward way to manage the problem. With the right products and a few good habits, you can restore comfort and prevent your lips from cracking again.

Here’s a practical guide to what actually works, from lip care basics to top pharmacy picks.

What Causes Dry, Chapped Lips?

Your lips don’t have oil glands like the rest of your skin, so they’re more vulnerable to drying out. This makes them especially sensitive to:

• Cold or windy weather

• Dehydration

• Excess sun exposure

• Frequently licking your lips

• Harsh ingredients in lip products

Some medications or skin conditions can also contribute. If your lips are often cracked, it’s worth reviewing your skincare or prescriptions with a pharmacist or GP.

Everyday Habits That Make a Difference

Before reaching for treatments, it’s important to look at daily routines. These small steps can go a long way:

• Stay hydrated: Your lips reflect your hydration levels. Aim for at least 6–8 glasses of water a day.

• Avoid licking: It may offer short-term relief but saliva actually dries lips out further.

• Use a humidifier indoors: Especially during winter, central heating dries out the air and your skin.

• Apply balm regularly: Prevention is easier than repair. Use protective balm before lips start to feel dry.

• Avoid heavily fragranced products: Some additives can irritate sensitive skin, especially around the mouth.

Lip Balm That Actually Works

A good lip balm does two things well: it creates a barrier to lock in moisture and includes ingredients that soothe and repair damaged skin.

Blistex Intensive Moisturiser – Lip Balm With SPF 10

This contains shea butter and allantoin — both of which hydrate and calm irritated lips. The added SPF 10 is helpful for sun protection, which often goes overlooked in lip care.

Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa Butter

Known for its gentle formula, this softens and seals in moisture. It’s especially effective at tackling flakiness and can double as an overnight treatment.

Carmex Strawberry Lip Balm Tube

Combining moisture with a mild cooling effect, Carmex is ideal for sore or cracked lips. Its blend of menthol and camphor helps with inflammation while the strawberry flavour remains subtle.

When to Use Which Product?

• Daily hydration: Use something like Vaseline Lip Therapy in the morning and evening.

• Sun exposure: Apply a balm with SPF like Blistex before heading outside.

• Sore or cracked lips: A targeted product like Carmex helps soothe and repair.

You don’t need all three — but having one or two on hand to suit your needs makes a difference.

What to Avoid

Even some lip products can make dry lips worse. It helps to check the label and steer clear of:

• Alcohol-based formulas

• Strong fragrances or flavourings

• Harsh exfoliants used too often

If cracks appear frequently at the corners of the mouth, it could also point to a fungal infection or vitamin deficiency — in which case, a pharmacist can advise.

Can Lip Balms Be Overused?

This is a common concern. While overuse isn’t usually harmful, relying on lip balm constantly especially those with menthol or camphor — can lead to a cycle of needing more.

To avoid this:

• Focus on hydration and your environment.

• Use barrier-based products without fragrance.

• Give your lips a break indoors, especially overnight.

If you're reapplying hourly with no improvement, it’s worth investigating further.

Lip Care for Different Seasons

Winter:

Use a thicker balm or ointment and apply it before heading outdoors. Cold air and central heating both increase dryness.

Summer:

Go for balms with SPF. Lips can sunburn easily and sun exposure contributes to flaking and soreness.

When You’re Unwell:

Cold and flu symptoms, mouth breathing and certain medications can all make lips dry and cracked. Keep balm nearby and sip water often.

One Last Thing: Don’t Ignore the Early Signs

Lips also tend to dry out faster when you’re dehydrated or under stress. If you're working in air-conditioned spaces, spending long hours in front of screens or adjusting to a new climate, these can all take a toll. Apply balm early, not just when your lips are already sore.

Consistency Makes All the Difference

Chapped lips might seem like a minor issue but when left untreated, they quickly become uncomfortable. Thankfully, they’re also one of the easiest skin issues to manage. A few small changes — keeping hydrated, using the right balm and avoiding known irritants — go a long way in keeping lips healthy all year round.

If you’re stocking up, 121 Pharmacy carries a range of trusted lip care options — including Blistex, Vaseline and Carmex — all available for fast delivery.

Explore the full range at 121 Pharmacy and keep your lips protected every day.