Cracked lips – nobody likes them, and this problem has happened to everyone at least once.
Many people experience dry or chapped lips. Cheilitis, which is the medical name for this problem, is accompanied by dry and tight lips, irritations or cracks that give an unpleasant feeling.
People have been dealing with this problem for centuries. Legend has it that Cleopatra in ancient Egypt used beeswax and olive oil to condition her lips.
But what leads to the appearance of chapped lips and how to get rid of this unpleasant phenomenon?
Cracked lips are a problem that many encounter, especially during cold winter months or in dry climate conditions. However, cracked skin around the lips can appear throughout the year, causing discomfort, pain, and even bleeding in severe cases.
In this article you will learn the main causes of cracked lips, how to prevent them and why natural lip balm is the best solution for healthy care.
Table of content
What causes chapped lips?
How to recognize cracked lips?
Symptoms of cracked lips include:
- Dryness and tightness – feeling that lips are "tight"
- Fine cracks – visible lines on the surface of lips
- Skin peeling – falling off of small pieces of skin
- Pain and discomfort – especially when opening the mouth
- Bleeding – in severe cases
- Sensitivity – increased reaction to touch or temperature
– increased reaction to touch or temperature
Weather conditions
External factors and weather conditions are a common cause of chapped lips. Very cold weather, wind or sudden changes in outside temperature have a particularly negative effect on our lips.
Cold wind or dry air can cause small wounds on the lips. Also, excessive tanning and exposure to the sun can cause the same problem.
Humidity
If you have a habit of licking or wetting your lips too often, this can be the cause of chapped lips. When you lick your lips too often, in order to hydrate them with saliva, you are actually doing the exact opposite.
The saliva evaporates from the lips after the check, leaving the lips drier than they were before.
Also, saliva contains certain enzymes or bacteria that further irritate the already irritated skin on the lips.
If you are prone to this habit, here are the reasons why it is wise to stop it and to find a healthy and simple solution to this unpleasant problem.
Sudden temperature changes
Transitioning from a warm to a cold environment can shock the sensitive lip skin.
When you go from a heated house to frost or enter from the cold into an air-conditioned space, lips quickly contract and expand, which can lead to the formation of small cracks.
This effect is especially pronounced in winter when the difference between outside and inside temperature can be up to 30°C.
Lips don't have a protective layer like the rest of the facial skin, so they are the first target of these temperature shocks.
UV radiation
Excessive sunbathing can damage the sensitive lip skin that is often neglected when applying sunscreen.
Lips do not have melanin which naturally protects against UV rays, making them particularly vulnerable to burns and damage.
Summer sun, but also winter sun reflected from snow, can cause "sunburn" of the lips, which manifests as redness, swelling, and later skin peeling. Prolonged exposure to UV rays without protection can lead to chronic dryness and premature aging of lip skin.
Internal factors
Irritation and allergies
Allergies or contact with an allergen or irritant can also cause chapped lips. Sometimes if you use a product that contains artificial substances or allergens, it can affect the irritation of the lips and the appearance of small cracks.
If possible, you should avoid such products, and a natural lip balm is one of the solutions you can use to avoid this problem.
Health problems
Chapped lips can appear due to certain health problems, such as vitamin deficiency, problems with the thyroid gland.
Whatever the reason for the appearance of dry and chapped lips, it is best to do something about it and prevent the appearance of more abundant problems and irritations, which can be very unpleasant.
One of the best ways to provide proper care to your lips is a natural balm or natural lip balm.
Dehydration
Insufficient fluid intake directly affects the hydration of the entire skin, and lips are the first indicator of lack of water in the body.
When the body does not have enough fluid, it gives priority to vital organs, so skin and lips remain without the necessary moisture.
It is recommended to intake at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, and during hot days or physical activity, the needs double. Signs of dehydration include not only lip dryness, but also reduced saliva secretion, which further aggravates the problem because saliva naturally moistens the lips.
Vitamin deficiency
Vitamin deficiency – especially B complex vitamins, E and omega-3 fatty acids can significantly affect the health and appearance of lips.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is crucial for maintaining mucous membrane health, and its deficiency often leads to cracking at the corners of the lips and overall dryness.
Vitamin E acts as a natural antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and helps in regeneration, while omega-3 fatty acids maintain skin elasticity and natural moisture.
Deficiency of these nutrients can occur due to poor diet, stress, or increased body needs during illness or pregnancy.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes are a complex process that directly affects skin condition, especially sensitive areas like lips.
Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone change the body's metabolism, affect skin hydration and elasticity, making it more prone to drying and more sensitive to external influences.
These changes are especially pronounced during pregnancy, menstrual cycle, puberty, or menopause, when hormonal imbalance can cause visible skin changes – from dryness and peeling to increased sensitivity.
Lips, which do not have sebaceous glands like the rest of the skin, are the first indicator of hormonal changes, quickly reacting to any change in the body.
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How to get rid of cracked lips - natural solution
Natural lip balm - the best solution
The best remedy for cracked lips is a quality natural lip balm that contains:
- Beeswax – creates a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss and protects lips from external influences such as wind and cold
- Natural oil – antiseptic and soothing effect that helps heal existing cracks and prevents infection
- Shea butter – deeply hydrates and regenerates damaged skin thanks to a rich content of vitamins A and F that stimulate cell renewal
- Vitamin E – antioxidant effect that protects against free radicals and slows down the aging process, preserving the natural elasticity of lips
The combination of these natural ingredients not only solves the current problem of cracked lips but also builds long-term protection that prevents the problem from recurring.
Home natural remedies (temporary solution)
If you don't have a quality natural lip balm at hand, you can use some home remedies as first aid, although they provide only temporary relief:
- Honey – apply a thin layer and leave for 10 minutes, then gently remove with a damp towel; honey has natural antibacterial properties and helps in healing
- Coconut oil – natural hydrator rich in fatty acids, use in small amounts as it is quickly absorbed and does not leave a greasy film
- Aloe vera gel – soothes inflammation and promotes healing thanks to natural enzymes and vitamins, best used as fresh gel directly from the leaf
- Cucumber – cool and hydrate due to high water content, place thin slices for 5-10 minutes for instant refreshment
Note: These home remedies can provide immediate relief, but do not solve the root cause of the problem like a quality natural lip balm with long-lasting effect.
Proper hydration
Hydration is the foundation of healthy skin and a key factor in preventing cracked lips.
When the body lacks sufficient fluid, skin loses elasticity and its natural ability to retain moisture, which is first noticed on the most sensitive parts such as lips.
Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily, and during hot days, physical activity, or illness, increase intake to 10-12 glasses.
Use a humidifier in enclosed spaces because central heating and air conditioning significantly reduce air humidity, with the ideal humidity in a room being between 40-50%.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine which dehydrate the body, and instead choose herbal teas, warm water with lemon, or coconut water that naturally replenishes electrolytes.
Natural vs. commercial lip balm
| Characteristic | Natural lip balm | Commercial lip balm |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | ✓ Without chemicals, parabens | ✗ Contains parabens, sulfates |
| Effect | ✓ Long-lasting, healing | ✗ Short-term, temporary |
| Safety | ✓ Hypoallergenic | ✗ May cause allergic reaction |
| Ecology | ✓ Eco-friendly packaging | ✗ Plastic packaging |
| Price | ⚖ Higher initial investment | ⚖ Lower price, more frequent purchase |
| Result | ✓ Solves the root cause of the problem | ✗ Masks symptoms |
Cracked lips during pregnancy
Pregnancy can bring numerous changes to the body, including skin changes. Cracked lips during pregnancy are a relatively common occurrence that can be particularly uncomfortable for expectant mothers.
Why do they occur during pregnancy?
Main causes:
- Hormonal changes – estrogen and progesterone affect skin hydration
- Increased fluid loss – the body consumes significantly more water
- Changes in diet – different needs for vitamins B, E and omega-3 acids
- Morning sickness – vomiting can lead to dehydration
- Increased sensitivity – skin becomes more reactive to external factors
- Stress and fatigue – affect the skin's ability to regenerate
Safety of natural lip balms
Many commercial lip balms contain parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances that are not recommended during pregnancy.
Natural lip balm is completely safe because it contains:
- 100% natural ingredients without synthetic additives
- Hypoallergenic components tested on sensitive skin
- No harmful chemicals that can affect pregnancy
What is a natural lip balm?
Natural lip balm or natural lip label is a product that is used for lip care. Most often, it contains some kind of wax that helps to treat the problem of dry lips and helps preserve the natural hydration of the skin of the lips.
The natural ingredients in the lip balm improve the product's SPF factor, which helps protect against UV radiation.
It is interesting that lip balm does not have to be used exclusively for lip care, but for treating various skin problems, such as eczema, fevers or various skin irritations.
Lip balm is a natural remedy for chapped lips, it forms a protective layer on the lips that preserves the natural hydration of the lips, and at the same time reduces external influences on the delicate skin of the lips, such as wind or cold.
Key ingredients of natural lip balm
Beeswax
Creates a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss
Natural oil
Antiseptic and soothing effect, accelerates healing
Shea butter
Deeply hydrates and regenerates damaged skin
Vitamin E
Antioxidant effect, protects from free radicals
What is not a natural lip balm?
There are different lip care products. Some of them even offer instant relief for chapped lips, but such products do not offer a solution, but only hide the problem.
When choosing a lip balm for yourself, pay attention to the composition of the product.
These are some of the ingredients you should avoid:
- perfumes and synthetic fragrances
- artificial shine, which can increase UV burns
- artificial colors, which can only cause irritation and further dry out the lips
- salicylic acid
- unnecessary ingredients such as camphor, lanolin, oxybenzone and the like.
These ingredients are not only harmful to your lips, but also pollute the environment in the long term and their use should be reduced.
Why do you need a natural lip balm?
It is very important to take care of our skin, whether it is the skin on the hands, feet, face or lips. The skin is our largest organ and it is very important how we take care of it.
Skin care is not important just for some "external" beauty, but also for health.
When it comes to lip care, natural lip balm is an indispensable product that everyone should always have on hand. It is especially important if the lip balm contains supplements of certain vitamins or antioxidants from medicinal herbs, which additionally strengthen the skin of the lips and make it healthy.
It is recommended that a natural lip balm be used regularly, both when we have a problem and when we don't.
The best way to use lip balm is in the morning after eating and in the evening before going to bed, to keep your lips hydrated and healthy.
If you sleep with your mouth open, you must have noticed that your lips are dry in the morning when you wake up. By applying lip balm before going to bed, you will get rid of this problem.
During cold weather, it is especially important to use lip balm to avoid frostbite, windburn or sores on the lips.
Benefits of natural lip balm
Lip hydration
If you properly care for your lips, you make them soft, healthy and beautiful in appearance.
By regularly using a natural lip balm that does not contain artificial additives that can irritate the skin, you naturally enable the lips to retain their natural hydration and the oils that are secreted in the body. Also, if you have a problem with dry or chapped lips, you enable the lips to naturally heal wounds caused by cold weather or some other cause.
Solution for dry and chapped lips
It sometimes happens that our lips become chapped or simply dry out.
Natural lip balm is the right solution that will help your lips recover faster and easier.
Protective layer
In addition to the fact that natural lip balm creates a protective layer, which has a preventive effect on the appearance of chapped lips.
It also helps to remove dead skin cells and helps your lips to regenerate faster.
Lipstick base
If you often use lipstick, it may happen that the ingredients from the lipstick (which are often not of natural origin) start to affect the drying of the skin of the lips.
Use a natural lip balm as a base that will give your lips the care they need, and then apply your favorite lipstick.
Nice and useful.
Sun protection
Exposure to harmful sun rays during the flight can dry out your lips or cause burns. By applying a natural lip balm, you not only hydrate and nourish the skin of the lips, but also provide adequate protection from UV rays.
FAQ
What should I use for chapped lips?
The best solution for chapped lips, which is also natural, is a natural lip balm.
The best lip balm is natural lip balm.
This kind of lip balm provides all the necessary care that helps renew the skin cells on the lips and at the same time has a preventive effect on the appearance of unpleasant dry or chapped lips.
Can I use lip balm every day?
Of course!
But you should be moderate in everything.
Apply a thin layer that will give your lips the care they need for the day.
When should I use lip balm?
If you want to achieve the best results using a natural lip balm, use it in the morning after eating and in the evening before going to bed.
In this way, you will provide your lips with enough care and nutrients to remain soft and healthy.
How long does it take for cracked lips to heal?
With proper care and a quality natural lip balm, cracked lips usually heal in 3-7 days. More severe cases may require 10-14 days.
What is the difference between natural and regular lip balm?
Natural lip balms do not contain parabens, sulfates, artificial perfumes and colors that can irritate the skin. They solve the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms.
Can I use lip balm under lipstick?
Absolutely! Natural lip balm is an excellent base for lipstick because it protects lips from drying out and extends the durability of makeup.
What should I do if my lips crack overnight?
Immediately apply a natural lip balm, drink more water, avoid licking your lips, and reapply every 2 hours.
When to visit a doctor?
Consult a dermatologist or general practitioner if:
- Cracked lips do not heal after 2 weeks of regular care
- Bleeding appears or suppuration
- Lips are painful and swollen without improvement
- The problem often recurs despite proper care
- Signs of infection appear – redness, heat, pus
- Allergic reaction – itching, rash around lips
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