Chapped Lips: Causes & How To Treat Them

Monderma

Oliver Belcher

21 Jun 2025

Dry lips reflect lost moisture
Cold air increases water loss
Allergies and habits irritate lips
Hydration supports repair processes
Lip care complements Monderma

Chapped lips are common and can feel uncomfortable, especially during colder months when the air is dry. Simple steps often ease symptoms and support smoother lips [1,2].

In this article we outline the causes of dry chapped lips, explore practical treatments, and highlight how diet and daily habits influence comfort and resilience.

Causes Of Chapped Lips

Environmental stress, dehydration, lifestyle habits, and sensitivities can all contribute to cracked lips. Some medical conditions may also influence dryness [1,3].

Key Causes & Insights

Cause	Insight
Environmental factors	Cold, wind, and sun increase water loss [1]
Dehydration	Reduced hydration affects moisture retention [2]
Lifestyle habits	Saliva enzymes worsen dryness [3]
Allergies	Lip products may trigger irritation [4]
Medical conditions	Deficiencies and skin disease influence cracking [5]

Table 1: Common causes of chapped lips

Quick Treatments & Relief

Increasing moisture, reducing irritation, and protecting from environmental stress can improve comfort and appearance [2,6].

Treatment Options

Treatment	Benefit
Hydration	Supports moisture balance [2]
Lip suitable products	Petrolatum helps healing [6]
Avoid lip licking	Reduces drying from saliva [3]
SPF protection	Helps prevent UV related damage [7]
Gentle exfoliation	Supports smoother texture [8]

Table 2: Practical treatments for dry lips

Diet & Lip Health

Balanced nutrition supports repair and comfort. Vitamins and essential fatty acids help maintain softness and protection [4,5].

Nutrients That Support Comfort

Nutrient	Role
Vitamin A	Aids repair and hydration
Vitamin C	Supports collagen synthesis
Vitamin E	Protects from oxidative stress
Zinc	Contributes to healing
Omega 3	Helps maintain moisture balance

Table 3: Nutrients linked with lip health

Conclusion

Chapped lips can improve with simple care, but broader concerns like acne, rosacea, or hyperpigmentation often benefit from personalised treatment. Monderma’s prescription skincare uses active ingredients such as niacinamide and tretinoin to support skin renewal and comfort.

If you would like personalised skincare designed to maintain long term skin resilience, you can explore a tailored formula through Monderma.

Content is for informational purposes only. Monderma treatments are prescribed following consultation. Results and timeframes can vary. Use as directed by your prescriber.