In winter, chapped lips are a common problem. Tightness, discomfort, small cracks… This area of the face is particularly vulnerable to the cold. Unlike the rest of the skin, the lips do not have sufficient natural mechanisms to protect themselves from dehydration. Understanding why they become dry makes it possible to adopt the right habits to soothe them over time and prevent chapping.
Why do lips become dry in winter?
An area without a hydrolipidic film
The skin is naturally protected by a hydrolipidic film, a thin layer composed of water and lipids that limits moisture loss and acts as a barrier against external aggressors. However, the lips have neither sebaceous glands nor sweat glands, which means this protective film is almost non-existent there. As a result, water evaporates more quickly and the lips dry out faster.
A thinner skin barrier
The epidermis of the lips is up to five times thinner than that of the rest of the face. This thinness explains their naturally rosy colour, but also their great sensitivity. Cold weather, wind and dry air penetrate more easily, weakening the skin barrier and encouraging the appearance of chapping.
The impact of cold and dry air
In winter, lower temperatures slow down microcirculation in the lips. The supply of oxygen and nutrients needed for skin regeneration decreases, which limits their ability to repair themselves. Wind and dry air, both outside and inside heated homes, further increase water loss and worsen dryness.
How to prevent and soothe chapped lips in winter?
- Stay sufficiently hydrated: the first step is to maintain good internal hydration. In winter, we tend to drink less, yet water plays an essential role in the skin’s moisture balance, including that of the lips.
- Apply a 100% natural emollient balm: it is then essential to act locally. Since the lips do not produce sebum, regular application of a natural lip balm helps recreate a protective barrier. Treatments formulated with plant oils and waxes of natural origin nourish the skin, limit water evaporation and protect against external aggressors. Siprès Lavender Flowers Balm is made with soothing Belgian plant oils calendula and hemp, protective European rapeseed wax and repairing, soothing essential oils fine lavender and Roman chamomile.
- Exfoliate the lips gently: gentle exfoliation once a week helps remove small flakes of skin. It also allows the balm to penetrate better and work more effectively. After exfoliation, it is recommended to apply a generous layer of balm to immediately soothe the lips.
Finally, when you are outdoors, it is advisable to protect your lips from wind and cold with a scarf. Adopting a balanced diet rich in vitamins B and E also helps strengthen the skin’s resilience during winter.
🚫 Mistakes to avoid when you have chapped lips
- Running your tongue over your lips or biting them: licking or biting your lips is a common reflex when they feel dry. However, saliva contains enzymes that irritate this fragile skin and worsen dehydration once the moisture evaporates. Breathing through the mouth, especially when the nose is blocked, exposes the lips to a constant flow of air that aggravates dryness.
- Using irritating lipsticks or glosses: using matte lipsticks or products containing alcohol, fragrance or irritating ingredients can also weaken the skin barrier. If you want to add a rosy touch to your lips without drying them out, our Rosy Balm is very popular with our customers.
- Using a lip balm that contains mineral oils: some lip balms with non-natural formulas can create a temporary feeling of comfort without truly nourishing and repairing the skin. Check that your lip balm ingredient list does not contain petroleum-derived substances such as petroleum jelly, menthol, benzocaine local anaesthetic or salicylic acid.
Q&A
Because they do not have a protective hydrolipidic film and cold weather, wind and dry air accelerate water loss.
A natural lip balm rich in plant oils and protective waxes, without irritating ingredients. At Siprès, we offer the Lavender Flowers Balm, formulated with Belgian calendula and hemp, combined with French fine lavender and Roman chamomile. It is one of our best-sellers and is available in 3 sizes to suit your needs.
Yes, provided you do it gently and no more than once a week to avoid weakening the skin.
Yes, the dry air in heated interiors increases dehydration of both the skin and the lips.
By adopting a simple and suitable routine, it is absolutely possible to prevent chapped lips in winter and regain lips that feel comfortable, supple and protected, even in cold weather.