Say Goodbye To Dry Lips This Winter With These 12 Effective Home Remedies For Soft, Smooth Lips

Winter can be an enchanting time full of comfy sweaters, hot drinks, and snow-laden scenery. Nonetheless, for many people, the frigid and arid air also introduces an undesirable issue: dry, cracked lips. The mix of chilly outdoor air and indoor heating depletes your lips of their natural hydration, resulting in cracked, flaky, and uncomfortable lips.

If you’re weary of managing chapped, dry lips each winter, don’t fret—there are numerous natural solutions and preventative strategies to bring back your lips’ softness. So, let's dive into this blog and learn about the causes, symptoms and effective home remedies to get rid of dry, chapped lips.

Table Of Contents

1. Dry Lips: Symptoms And Causes of This Bothersome Condition

2. How To Treat Dry Lips Naturally? 12 Home Remedies For Dry Lips In Winter

3. How Do You Fix Dry Lips In The Winter?

4. What Is The Home Recipe For Dry Lips?

5. Dietitian's Recommendation

6. The Final Say

7. FAQs

8. References

Dry Lips: Symptoms And Causes of This Bothersome Condition

Chappy lips, unhappy me!

Chapped lips, another name for dry lips, are caused by dehydrated, rough, and occasionally cracked lip skin. Because your lips lack sebaceous (oil) glands, they are more susceptible to environmental influences and moisture loss than the rest of your skin.

Symptoms Of Dry Lips Include:

• Flaking or peeling skin
• Cracks or fissures in the lips
• Redness and irritation
• Pain or sensitivity
• In severe cases, bleeding

Several factors contribute to dry or chapped lips, ranging from environmental conditions to personal habits. Here are the main causes:

1. Weather Conditions

Weather conditions, particularly cold and dry air, are a common cause of dry lips. The following factors cause the skin on your lips to lose moisture, leading to chapping, flaking, and discomfort:
 

• Cold Air: Low humidity levels in winter reduce moisture in the air, drying out the skin and lips.
   
• Wind: Harsh winds can strip the lips of natural moisture, making them more prone to cracking.
   
• Heat And Sun: Exposure to the sun’s UV rays in summer can dry out lips, causing them to peel or crack.

2. Dehydration

Dehydration is a common cause of dry lips because when your body lacks sufficient water, it prioritises hydration for vital organs, leaving less moisture for the skin, including the lips. It can be caused by:
 

• Low Water Intake: Not drinking enough water reduces overall hydration, leading to dry skin and lips.
   
• Alcohol And Caffeine: These substances are diuretics, meaning they increase fluid loss, which can exacerbate dryness.

3. Lip Licking

Licking your lips might feel like it adds moisture, but it actually worsens dryness.  When you lick your lips, the saliva temporarily moistens them, but as it evaporates, it leaves the lips even drier than before. Saliva contains enzymes that can break down the skin's natural moisture barrier, leading to increased dryness and irritation. The saliva dries up rapidly with constant licking, causing the lips to become drier than they were previously. 

4. Irritants In Lip Products

Irritants in lip products can cause dry lips by stripping away the skin's natural moisture and irritating the delicate skin on the lips. Certain lip balms, lipsticks, or glosses may contain allergens or drying agents like alcohol, menthol, or fragrances that irritate the lips. Over time, the repeated use of products with harsh chemicals can compromise the skin's barrier function, leading to increased moisture loss.

5. Dietary Deficiencies

What deficiency causes dry skin and lips? Well dietary deficiencies can lead to dry lips by depriving the body of essential nutrients that support skin health. Deficiencies in vitamins like B vitamins (particularly B2, B3, and B12), vitamin A, and zinc can cause dryness, cracking, and inflammation of the lips. These nutrients play crucial roles in maintaining skin hydration, healing, and cell regeneration. 

6. Poor Habits

Not following health tips for the winter season can bring many unwanted guests, such as chapped lips! Some poor habits that can make your dry lips even worse are:

 

• Not Using Lip Protection: Failing to use a lip balm with SPF can expose your lips to sun damage.
   
• Excessive Scrubbing: Excessive exfoliation of your lips may harm the sensitive skin, resulting in dryness and irritation. 

Also Read: Winter Skin Survival: The Ultimate AM-PM Skin Care Routine For Dry Skin In Winter

How To Treat Dry Lips Naturally? 12 Home Remedies For Dry Lips In Winter

Naturally, lips fix toh kar hi lo aur pao rosy lips!

Here are 12 dry lips in winter home remedies:

1. Honey And Sugar Scrub

A honey and sugar scrub is an effective and natural remedy for dry lips, as it helps exfoliate dead skin cells while moisturising and nourishing the lips. Honey acts as a humectant, providing moisturiser benefits by drawing in moisture to your lips while its antibacterial properties promote healing. Sugar, with its gentle exfoliating texture, helps remove flaky skin and stimulates circulation, leaving your lips soft and smooth.

How to use this home remedy for dry lips in winter?

• Take one teaspoon of honey with one teaspoon of sugar and mix them together. 
• Spread the mixture on your lips and massage softly in circular movements. 
• Wash with lukewarm water and use a lip balm to seal in hydration. 
• Use this remedy 2–3 times a week.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an excellent remedy for dry lips due to its deeply moisturising, nourishing, and healing properties. Rich in fatty acids, coconut oil helps lock in moisture and restore hydration to the lips, keeping them soft and smooth. Its antibacterial properties also help protect the lips from infections and further irritation, especially when they are cracked or chapped.

How to use this home remedy for dry lips in winter?

• Use your fingertips to apply a small quantity of coconut oil directly onto your lips. 
• Reapply throughout the day as needed.
• You can also mix coconut oil with a few drops of lavender essential oil for added soothing benefits.

3. Aloe Vera Gel

You must have heard that aloe vera gel is a good remedy for dark circles, but that’s not the end! Aloe vera gel is also a soothing and effective remedy for dry lips thanks to its hydrating, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to moisturise the lips, reduce irritation, and promote healing for cracked or chapped lips. Aloe vera also contains antioxidants that protect the skin from further damage, while its cooling effect provides instant relief to dry or inflamed lips.

How to use this home remedy for dry lips in winter?

• Scoop fresh aloe vera gel from a leaf or use store-bought, pure aloe vera gel.
• Spread a light coating on your lips and let it stay overnight. 
• Regular use will soothe irritation and restore moisture.

4. Cucumber Slices

Cucumber slices are a refreshing and natural remedy for dry lips due to their high water content and soothing properties. Cucumber helps to hydrate and replenish moisture, while its cooling effect provides relief for irritated or chapped lips. Additionally, cucumbers have antioxidants and vitamins that can promote skin healing.

How to use this home remedy for dry lips in winter?

• Rub a slice of cucumber gently over your lips for a minute or two.
• Keep the juice on your lips for 10 minutes before rinsing.
• Repeat this process daily for best results.

5. Shea Butter Or Cocoa Butter

Both shea butter and cocoa butter are excellent for treating dry lips. Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, providing deep moisture and soothing cracked lips while promoting healing. 

Cocoa butter is packed with antioxidants and fatty acids, which help restore moisture and improve the elasticity of the lips. Both create a protective barrier to lock in hydration, making them ideal for dry, chapped lips. You can apply either one directly to your lips for soft, smooth, and nourished lips.

How to use this home remedy for dry lips in winter?

• To your lips, apply a small amount of shea or cocoa butter.
• Let it absorb fully; no need to rinse.
• Use this remedy before bedtime to wake up with softer lips.

6. Milk Cream

Milk cream is a natural and effective remedy for dry lips due to its rich content of fats, proteins, and vitamins that help nourish and hydrate the lips. It acts as a moisturising agent, softening the lips and preventing them from becoming dry or cracked. The lactic acid in milk cream also helps to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving your lips feeling smooth and refreshed.

How to use this home remedy for dry lips in winter?

• Put a small quantity of cream on your lips. 
• Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then softly remove it with a moist cloth. 
• This remedy is especially effective for severely chapped lips.

7. Green Tea Bag Compress

A green tea bag compress is a soothing and natural remedy for dry lips, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea helps hydrate and calm irritated or inflamed skin, while its antioxidants promote healing and skin repair.

How to use this home remedy for dry lips in winter?

• Put a green tea bag on your lips for a few minutes after dipping it in a little warm water.
• Dry your lips and then apply lip balm. 
• This method is great for relieving soreness.

8. Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is a highly effective remedy for dry lips because it can lock in moisture and create a protective barrier that prevents further dryness. It helps seal in hydration, keeping the lips soft, smooth, and protected from environmental factors like wind and cold weather. Petroleum jelly also helps to heal cracked or chapped lips by providing a thick, moisture-retaining layer.

How to use this home remedy for dry lips in winter?

• Spread a light coat of petroleum jelly straight onto your lips. 
• For enhanced hydration, apply petroleum jelly over a layer of honey or coconut oil.
• Use it regularly, especially before stepping out in cold weather.

9. Rose Petals And Milk Paste

A rose petal and milk paste is a soothing and natural remedy for dry lips, offering deep hydration and nourishment. Rose petals are known for their moisturising and healing properties, while milk contains lactic acid and fat, which help exfoliate and soften the skin. Together, they create a soothing paste that helps repair dry, cracked lips. 

How to use this home remedy for dry lips in winter?

• For an hour or so, soak some rose petals in raw milk.
• Crush the petals to form a smooth paste.
• Put the paste to your lips and leave it on for 15 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water.

10. Almond Oil

Almond oil is a fantastic remedy for dry lips due to its rich content of vitamins, particularly vitamin E, which nourishes and hydrates the skin. It helps to soften and smooth, dry, chapped lips, and its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritation and promote healing. Almond oil also acts as a barrier, locking in moisture and preventing further dryness.

How to use this home remedy for dry lips in winter?

• To your lips, massage gently with a drop or two of almond oil.
• Leave it on overnight for maximum nourishment.
• Use regularly for smooth and hydrated lips.

11. Vaseline And Sugar Scrub

A Vaseline and sugar scrub is a simple yet effective remedy for dry lips, combining the exfoliating power of sugar with the moisture-locking properties of Vaseline (petroleum jelly). The sugar gently exfoliates dead skin cells, while Vaseline deeply moisturises and creates a protective barrier to keep lips soft and smooth.

How to use this home remedy for dry lips in winter?

• Combine one teaspoon of Vaseline with half a teaspoon of sugar. 
• Softly rub your lips in circular movements for one to two minutes. 
• Wash with warm water and then apply a lip balm. 
• Use this remedy once a week.

12. Castor Oil

Castor oil is an excellent remedy for dry lips due to its deeply hydrating, soothing, and nourishing properties. Rich in fatty acids, particularly ricinoleic acid, castor oil helps to lock in moisture, promoting soft and smooth lips. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help protect the lips from irritation and infection.

How to use this home remedy for dry lips in winter?

• Apply a tiny bit of castor oil straight to your lips.
• For added benefits, mix it with a few drops of lemon juice or glycerin.
• Apply daily for soft, supple lips.

Also Read: 10 Common Winter Skin Problems And Diseases And How To Tackle Them Effectively 

How Do You Fix Dry Lips In The Winter Quickly?

Dry lips fix karne ki need is urgent.

To fix dry lips in winter, focus on hydration, protection, and healing. Lips do not have oil glands, which makes them vulnerable to becoming dry.  Use a nourishing lip balm that contains lanolin, shea butter, or beeswax to form a barrier that protects your lips from cold air. Use natural humectants like honey or aloe vera, which attract and retain moisture. Exfoliate gently with a honey and sugar scrub once a week to remove dead skin and allow better absorption of moisturisers.

Since internal dehydration can exacerbate dry lips, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. A humidifier at home helps mitigate the drying effects of indoor heating by adding moisture to the air. Indulging in meals rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E helps avoid chapping and maintain healthy skin.

ToneOp Care’s 360° Transformation Plan provides personalised hair and skin care regimes by expert coaches to maintain dry lips and skin conditions and overall wellness.

What Is The Home Recipe For Dry Lips?

Instead of spending too much on lip balms, agar home recipes can help toh, isn’t that better?

Here are 2 DIY lip balms to make at home for dry lips in winter:

1. Coconut Oil and Beeswax Balm

Coconut oil and beeswax balm are highly effective and natural solutions for dry lips. Coconut oil is known for its deep moisturising and healing properties, while beeswax forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture and prevent further dryness. Together, they provide intense hydration, nourishment, and protection to keep lips soft and smooth.

Ingredients:

• Coconut oil - 1tbsp
• Beeswax pellets - 1tbsp
• Vitamin E oil -1tsp
• Optional: A few drops of essential oil (e.g., peppermint or lavender)

Preparation Method:

• Combine the coconut oil and beeswax by melting them together in a double boiler. 
• Take off the heat and mix in vitamin E oil along with essential oil. 
• Divide the mixture into small containers and allow it to cool. 
• Use daily as required. 

2. Shea Butter And Almond Oil Balm

Shea butter and almond oil balm is a luxurious and nourishing remedy for dry lips, combining the hydrating power of shea butter with the moisturising and healing benefits of almond oil. Shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E, helping to soothe and repair cracked lips, while almond oil deeply moisturises and softens the skin.

Ingredients:

• Shea butter - 2tbsp
• Almond oil - 1tbsp
• Honey - 1tsp

Preparation Method:

• Combine the ingredients in a bowl until they are smooth. 
• Transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate until solid.
• Apply as a protective layer throughout the day.

Also Read: 12 Solutions for Hair Care in Winter To Combat Hair Fall 

Dietitian's Recommendation

As a dietitian, I suggest tackling dry lips from within by concentrating on hydration and a diet rich in nutrients. To sustain ideal hydration levels, consume a minimum of 8 cups of water each day. Incorporate foods high in essential fatty acids, such as avocados, nuts, and seeds, to benefit the skin.

Fruits and vegetables packed with vitamins, particularly those rich in vitamin E (almonds, spinach) and vitamin C (citrus fruits, bell peppers), can enhance collagen production and heal damaged skin. Foods high in zinc, such as pumpkin seeds, support skin repair, whereas omega-3 sources like salmon help reduce inflammation. Mix hydration, nutrients, and outside care for smooth, healthy lips.

                                                            Dt. Akshata Gandevikar

The Final Say

Dry lips during winter can be irritating, but with appropriate care, you can effectively prevent and remedy them. By adding natural treatments such as honey, coconut oil, and aloe Vera to your daily routine, along with easy preventative habits, you can keep your lips soft and healthy throughout the season. Maintain consistency, keep hydrated, and relish a winter without the irritation of chapped lips! 

FAQs

1. Can I use petroleum jelly daily?

Yes, petroleum jelly locks in moisture and protects lips from harsh weather. Use it daily, especially at bedtime, for best results.

2. What’s the best overnight remedy for dry lips?

Apply a thick layer of coconut oil, shea butter, or aloe vera before bed. These ingredients deeply hydrate and repair your lips overnight.

3. What foods help with dry lips?

Eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E (carrots, oranges, almonds), omega-3 fatty acids (fish, chia seeds), and drink plenty of water to keep lips hydrated.

4. Are cucumbers effective for dry lips?

Yes, cucumbers soothe and hydrate lips naturally. Apply a fresh slice to your lips, let the juice sit for 10 minutes, and then wash it off. 

References

• https://www.nykaa.com/beauty-blog/pout-care-guide-home-remedies-for-chapped-lips/
• https://www.nivea.in/advice/how-to-heal-cracked-and-chapped-lips
• https://www.lakshmedental.com/6-easy-home-remedies-for-dry-cracked-lips/
• https://www.sendhildental.com/6-home-remedies-for-cracked-lips/
• https://www.ndtv.com/lifestyle/7-easy-and-natural-diy-lip-masks-for-chapped-lips-during-winter-3703585
• https://swadeshivip.com/blog/10-effective-and-natural-home-remedies-for-dry-lips/?srsltid=AfmBOoqoOneeeie4e95YmpodakE-ut2YksDEfxya5ZVLTrrvlcJBMYJA

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