Dry, chapped lips are uncomfortable and distracting. They make lipstick look patchy, sting when you eat and sometimes crack and bleed. During harmattan they get worse, but they can strike any time of year, especially if you spend hours in air conditioning, wear matte lipsticks or tend to lick your lips.
This guide explains why lips get dry, how to care for them step by step and which balms, masks and lip products to consider.
Why lips get dry so easily
The skin on your lips is thinner than the rest of your face and has no oil glands of its own, so it relies on saliva and added moisture. That makes it more vulnerable to dryness. Common triggers include:
- Dry, dusty weather and harmattan
- Air conditioning and fans
- Licking or biting lips
- Dehydration
- Sun exposure
- Mouth breathing, especially at night
- Irritating ingredients in lip products or toothpaste
- Long-wear matte lipsticks without prep
If lips stay cracked despite good care, or if the corners are sore and red, see a doctor, because infections, allergies and nutritional issues can contribute.
Step 1: Stop the habits that make it worse
Avoid licking, biting and picking at flaky skin. Saliva evaporates quickly and can leave lips drier than before. Peeling dry skin off can cause bleeding and slower healing. Let lips heal gently.
Step 2: Moisturize regularly
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests lip balm or petroleum jelly for dry lips. In practice, apply balm several times a day and before bed. Choose a thick, simple formula, and avoid balms with strong fragrance, flavouring or cooling ingredients if your lips are sore, since these can sting or irritate.
Browse Reginah’s lip care collection.
Tender Care Protecting Balm Buy now
A multipurpose beeswax-based balm, described as protecting and softening dry lips, cuticles and rough skin patches. Handy because it can also be used on dry cuticles and elbows.
Tender Care Rose Protecting Balm Buy now
A rose-scented version of the multi-purpose protecting balm with beeswax, listed as softening and hydrating dry lips and skin. Choose the unscented version if your lips react to fragrance.
Step 3: Add an overnight treatment
A lip sleeping mask works like a night cream for lips. Apply a thick layer before bed so it can stay on while you sleep.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Ex – Berry – 20g Buy now
An overnight lip treatment with Berry Mix Complex and hyaluronic acid, described as repairing and hydrating for soft lips. A premium, popular option.
25pskyn Aria Beauty Lip Seal Mint Candy 15ml Buy now
A lip product in mint candy flavour, listed as giving deep hydration and a refreshing cooling sensation for soft, healthy lips. Cooling ingredients may feel nice but can be irritating on very sore lips, so patch test.
Step 4: Exfoliate very gently, and rarely
If flakes build up, you can soften them with a warm damp cloth after applying balm, then gently wipe. Avoid harsh sugar scrubs on cracked lips. If lips are bleeding or sore, skip exfoliation until they heal.
Step 5: Protect from the sun
Lips can get sunburned and can darken with sun exposure. Use a lip balm with SPF in the daytime, especially on sunny days. Our guide to the best sunscreen for dark skin explains how to pick broad-spectrum protection, and the same principles apply to lips.
Step 6: Hydrate from the inside and the outside
Drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet supports overall skin health, but balms and creams do the main work on lips. If you have persistent cracked corners, frequent mouth sores or unusual dryness, ask a doctor about possible causes.
Wearing lipstick on dry lips
Lip colour looks best on smooth lips. If you wear lipstick regularly, prep first.
- Apply balm and wait a few minutes.
- Blot the excess with a tissue so lipstick can grip.
- Line your lips if you like a defined look.
- Apply colour with a brush or directly from the bullet.
- Remove lipstick gently at night with a balm or cleansing oil, then moisturize.
If a lipstick is described as long-wearing or matte, it may feel drying on some lips. A creamier finish or a balm underneath can help.
Deegutu Matte Lipstick Buy now
A matte lipstick described as highly pigmented and long-wearing with a comfortable, non-drying finish. Prep lips with balm first.
Ceendies Beauty Let’s Lip it Line 12 Stunning Nude Colors Lip Pallete Buy now
A palette with 12 nude lip shades, described as creamy, pigmented and long-lasting. Good for mixing your own shade.
Explore more colours in Reginah’s lip makeup collection, and see our eye makeup for beginners to complete a look.
Lip care during harmattan
In the dry season, increase how often you apply balm, use a sleeping mask more regularly and keep a balm in your bag and by your bed. Combine it with body and face care. See our harmattan skincare tips.
Everyday habits that protect your lips
- Keep a balm where you will use it: by your bed, in your bag and at your desk, so reapplying becomes automatic.
- Brush teeth gently and rinse toothpaste off your lips. Some toothpaste ingredients can irritate lips.
- Breathe through your nose when you can, especially at night. If you always wake with dry lips and a dry mouth, mention it to a doctor.
- Take a break from lipstick if your lips are cracked. Heal first, then wear colour again.
- Check for reactions. If a particular balm or lipstick always leaves lips sore or swollen, stop using it.
Ingredients to look for
- Beeswax, shea butter and plant oils: soften and protect.
- Petrolatum: a classic occlusive that seals in moisture.
- Hyaluronic acid: helps hydrate. Learn more in our hyaluronic acid guide.
- SPF: for daytime protection.
Ingredients to be careful with
- Strong menthol, camphor or phenol, which can feel cooling but irritate when lips are cracked.
- Strong flavours and fragrances, which can trigger reactions.
- Alcohol-based products.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my lips dry even though I drink water?
Water helps overall, but lip dryness often comes from the weather, licking and product choices. Balm is usually the main fix.
Can lip balm be addictive?
Lip balm does not cause addiction, but if lips feel worse once you stop, you may be reacting to an ingredient. Switch to a simple formula.
Should I use a lip scrub?
Only rarely and gently, and never on cracked lips.
What helps lips overnight?
A thick balm or a lip sleeping mask before bed.
When should I see a doctor?
If lips are persistently cracked, bleeding, swollen, have sores or if the corners of your mouth are sore and red.
Final thoughts
Healthy lips depend on simple habits: do not lick or peel, apply balm often, treat overnight, protect from the sun and prep before lipstick. Be patient and keep products simple.
Explore Reginah’s lip care and lip makeup collections to find your next favourite.
