Dry Lips in Winter: What Actually Helps

Lips are usually the first to react to winter. Even before real мороз weather hits, you may notice tightness, flaking, or even painful cracks. And it’s not because you’re “doing something wrong”. The reason lies in the nature of the lip area itself.

The skin on the lips is almost incapable of protecting itself, which means it relies entirely on you.

Why lips dry out so fast

The skin on the lips is very different from the skin on your face:

• it’s extremely thin
• it has no sebaceous (oil) glands
• it can barely retain moisture on its own

In winter, this is made worse by:

• cold wind and frost
• dry indoor air
• sudden temperature changes
• the habit of licking your lips
• matte lipsticks and tints without a protective base

As a result, lips aren’t just “dry” — they’re constantly in a state of micro-damage.

What lips actually lack in winter

Mistake number one is looking for “the richest balm possible”.

Comfort for lips isn’t just about thickness or oiliness. It’s about combining three key functions:

1. Soothing and repairing damaged skin
2. Softening the surface of the lips
3. Locking in moisture and protecting from external factors

This is what you should be looking for in lip care products.

Ingredients that really work

For repair and soothing

• Panthenol – reduces irritation and speeds up healing
• Allantoin – softens and relieves tightness
• Bisabolol – calms sensitive lip skin

For softness and nourishment

• Squalane – a lightweight lipid with no stickiness
• Oils (jojoba, almond, shea) – keep lips soft and elastic
• Waxes – create a comfortable protective layer

For protection and moisture sealing

• Petrolatum – an effective overnight option for very dry lips
• Lanolin – works especially well for cracks and severe dryness (best used in the evening)

What’s best to avoid in winter

Even if it feels like it helps at first, these can actually make things worse:

• balms with menthol, camphor, or eucalyptus — they irritate and dry the lips
• frequent lip scrubs — they cause micro-cracks
• constantly licking your lips — moisture evaporates quickly and pulls even more water with it

If your lips are already damaged, skip exfoliation entirely. Focus on calming and protection only.

Daytime care: protection and comfort

During the day, lips need reliable protection:

• a balm with waxes or light occlusives
• a non-sticky texture that doesn’t interfere with talking or lipstick
• SPF, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors

Apply balm before going outside, not when your lips already feel dry.

Night care: recovery

Nighttime is when lips regenerate best.

• apply a thicker layer of balm or a lip mask
• if needed, seal it with lanolin or petrolatum as the final step
• avoid fragrances and irritating actives

This simple routine can noticeably improve the condition of your lips in just a few days.

Small habits that make a big difference

• keep your lip balm within reach, not somewhere at the bottom of your bag
• remove long-wear and matte lipsticks gently
• drink enough water
• don’t ignore dryness — lips don’t “get used to it”, they need help

Dry lips in winter aren’t a minor issue or just an aesthetic concern. They affect comfort and well-being.

With the right balm, consistency, and a bit of attention, your lips can stay soft, smooth, and crack-free even in cold weather.

This is exactly what self-care is about: simple, thoughtful habits that don’t complicate life, but make it more comfortable.