Preventing Cracked, Dry Lips This Winter: My Best Tips

Hello, lovely ladies!

Can you believe it’s already mid-January? This winter has been COLD, and honestly, my lips are feeling it. I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed more cracks and dryness this season than ever before. Maybe it’s just me getting older (ugh, winter skin, am I right?), but I figured I couldn’t be the only one dealing with this.

So, let’s talk about how to keep those lips soft and smooth, even when it feels like your whole face is turning into a popsicle. 🍧

My Struggle with Dry Lips ❄️

Okay, here’s the truth: dry lips are my nemesis every winter. Between the cold air outside and the dry heat inside, they just seem to get chapped, cracked, and sore. I mean, I love a good cup of coffee, but I can't even enjoy it without feeling like my lips are begging for mercy.

If you’ve ever had your lips feel tight and uncomfortable, you know exactly what I’m talking about! So, I decided to do something about it—and I’m here to share my tips with you. 🌟

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! 💧

You've heard me say it a million times, but it’s true: drinking water is key (yep, for your lips too)! When your body’s dehydrated, your lips show it first. I try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, and yes, I sometimes cheat with some herbal tea (I mean, who doesn’t love a warm mug of tea on a cold day?! 🍵).

If you’re feeling fancy, throw in a hydrating mask for your lips at night, just like you would for your face. It’s a great way to wake up with soft, plump lips instead of feeling like you need a whole tub of lip balm.

2. Exfoliate Gently 🧖‍♀️

You know how we exfoliate our skin to remove dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, brighter complexion? Well, your lips need the same love! I’ve started exfoliating my lips once a week with a gentle sugar scrub I can make at home.

Just be gentle, ladies! Your lips are more sensitive than your face, so no need to go overboard. Over-exfoliating can make things worse, and we don’t want that. 🌿

Exfoliating also helps your lip balm to actually work better, because it can get deeper into the skin and hydrate more effectively. Win-win, right?

3. Moisturize Like a Pro 💖

Okay, here’s where we really need to get serious. Just like we pamper our faces with nourishing creams, our lips need the same kind of love. I’ve switched to a thicker, more moisturizing balm during the winter months—something with shea butter or vitamin E. This helps protect my lips from the drying effects of the cold and keeps them nice and soft.

Is it possible to use your face cream on your lips?

Yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. While face creams like our Ocean Caviar Face Cream can absolutely hydrate your lips, I always recommend something that’s specifically designed for lips to give them a little extra TLC. But if you don’t have a lip balm handy and you're desperate, a tiny dab of your face cream can do the trick to moisturize your lips in a pinch!

Anything that keeps the skin hydrated is a win in my book. 💋

Remember, don’t just use lip balm once in a while—make it a part of your routine. I keep mine in my purse, on my nightstand, and in the car, so I’m always ready to reapply. You can’t overdo it! 💁‍♀️

4. Avoid Licking Your Lips! 🙅‍♀️

Ladies, this is a big one! I get it—when your lips feel dry, it’s tempting to lick them. But did you know that licking your lips actually dries them out even more? Saliva evaporates quickly and strips away moisture, leaving your lips drier than before.

So, the next time you catch yourself doing it, just grab your balm instead. Your lips will stay smoother, and you won’t end up in a vicious dry lip cycle!

5. Protect Your Lips from the Cold 🧣

Just like how we protect our faces with scarves or hats, our lips need the same care. I make sure to cover my mouth with a scarf when I’m outside in frigid temps. It’s a simple way to avoid the harsh winds from causing chapping and cracking.

You can even apply your lip balm before heading out to create a barrier. Think of it like an extra coat of protection—your lips will thank you later.

6. Look for Lip Care Products with SPF (Even in Winter!) 🌞

You know how I’m always talking about SPF for your face, right? Well, guess what? Your lips need it, too! Even in winter, the sun can damage your lips, causing dryness and age spots. I’ve started using a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher to give my lips that extra protection. Just like with your skincare routine, keep your lips shielded from those harmful rays—even when the skies are overcast.

A Quick Recap 💋

Here’s what I’m doing this winter to keep my lips from turning into cracked desert patches:

1. Hydrating with water (and tea!)
2. Gently exfoliating my lips with a scrub
3. Moisturizing like a pro with a nourishing balm
4. No more licking my lips
5. Protecting my lips from the wind and cold
6. Using SPF for extra protection

Have you dealt with dry lips this winter? How do you keep them soft and smooth? Share your tips with me, or let me know if you’ve tried any of these! I’d love to hear how you’re keeping your lips in top shape this season.

Ava-Ann