As temperatures drop, dry, cracked lips become a common winter woe. While reaching for a lip balm or licking your lips may feel like a natural fix, dermatologists warn that some everyday habits could actually be making your chapped lips worse. Yale-trained and Harvard board-certified dermatologist Dr. Abby Waldman shares in this TikTok the two most common mistakes people make—and how to break the cycle.
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1. Licking Your Lips
It may seem obvious, but lip-licking is one of the worst things you can do when your lips are dry. “It’s so tempting because it temporarily adds moisture,” says Dr. Waldman. “But it actually increases evaporative water loss. You end up in this vicious cycle: you lick your lips, they dry out, so you lick them again.”
This back-and-forth can leave lips even more parched than before. The temporary relief of moisture quickly evaporates, leaving lips vulnerable to further cracking and irritation.
2. Using Irritating Lip Balms
Another common mistake? Picking chapsticks or lip balms that sting, tingle, or cool your lips. “Many products are designed to give a tingling sensation, but ingredients like menthol, camphor, salicylic acid, phenol, and alcohol can actually worsen dryness,” Dr. Waldman explains. The tingling may feel satisfying, but these ingredients can strip the lips, causing more dryness and creating a cycle of constant reapplication.
How to Protect Your Lips
So what’s the solution? Dr. Waldman recommends choosing lip balms that seal in moisture rather than just creating a temporary sensation. Petroleum jelly is one of the most effective options, forming a protective barrier that prevents evaporative water loss.
If petroleum jelly isn’t your preference, natural alternatives such as shea butter or coconut oil can also hydrate and protect lips. Look for products with ingredients that boost moisture, such as dimethicone, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, which help retain hydration and repair the delicate skin of the lips.
Dr. Waldman also suggests applying a hydrating lip balm before bed to let your lips recover overnight and carrying a travel-sized balm during the day to prevent dryness before it starts. Avoid licking, biting, or rubbing your lips, as friction only makes the problem worse.
The Bottom Line
Chapped lips aren’t just uncomfortable—they can also worsen if you fall into common habits like licking or using irritating products. The key is to break the cycle by choosing gentle, hydrating, and protective lip care. With the right routine, your lips can stay soft, smooth, and healthy all winter long.
