When temperatures drop, our lips are often the first to show signs of distress. Dry air, cold winds, and indoor heating can quickly strip lips of moisture, leaving them cracked, flaky, and uncomfortable. Unlike the rest of our skin, lips don’t have oil glands—so they need extra care during the colder months. The good news? With the right routine, soft and healthy lips are absolutely achievable all winter long.
Why Cold Weather Is Hard on Your Lips
Cold weather reduces humidity in the air, causing moisture to evaporate from the skin more quickly. Add in harsh winds and frequent transitions between cold outdoor air and dry indoor heat, and lips become especially vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
Licking your lips for temporary relief only makes things worse. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips even drier than before.
Exfoliate—Gently
Exfoliation helps remove dead, flaky skin so lip treatments can penetrate more effectively.
- Use a gentle lip scrub once or twice a week
- Try a DIY mix of sugar and honey or brown sugar and coconut oil
- Gently massage with a soft toothbrush for a quick exfoliation
Avoid over-exfoliating, which can cause irritation and sensitivity.
Hydration Starts From Within
What you put into your body shows up on your lips.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can be dehydrating
- Eat foods rich in healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and salmon
Well-hydrated lips start from the inside out.
Choose the Right Lip Products
Not all lip balms are created equal. Look for nourishing ingredients that seal in moisture and repair the skin barrier.
Best Ingredients to Look For
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
- Beeswax
- Lanolin
- Vitamin E
- Hyaluronic acid
