Lips feeling dry and chapped even in summer? 5 underlying reasons of it

Chapped lips are a common problem during the winter months as the cold winter breeze takes away the moisture from the skin. However, some people experience the same problem of dry and flaky lips in the harsh summer season. If your lips feel overly dry and chapped even during the summer, here are 5 common reasons why this might be happening:

As soothing as hot showers can be, they are not good for your skin, especially your lips.The skin on your lips is thinner than the rest of your face, making it more susceptible to damage and dryness. Additionally, our lips lack oil glands, so hot water further dehydrates them, leading to chapping.

According to Ritu Khariyan, Cosmetologist, Delhi Wellness Clinics, Greater Kailash and Noida, “When your lips feel dry, it might seem natural to lick them. However, this habit can make the problem worse. Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips drier than before. Moreover, saliva can contain remnants of food that can further irritate the skin on your lips, exacerbating the dryness and chapping.”


A lack of certain vitamins, such as folate (vitamin B9), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and vitamins B6 and B12, can cause dry and cracked lips. These deficiencies can lead to painful sores not just on the lips but also around the mouth.


Your lips need to be protected from the sun and kept moisturized. Use a lip balm that contains sunscreen ingredients or apply a bit of sunscreen on your lips before heading out. Regularly moisturizing your lips with products containing vaseline or beeswax can help keep them plump and hydrated, especially during dry weather.


What you eat can significantly impact the condition of your skin, including your lips. Unhealthy eating habits and poor gut health can cause your skin to dry out. Ensure you maintain a healthy diet to keep your skin and lips hydrated.
Certain foods can also irritate your lips. The acids in citrus fruits and tomato sauce can cause irritation, while cinnamates found in confectionery, chewing gum, and toothpaste can have a similar effect. Try to limit contact with these irritants by using a straw when consuming acidic beverages.

Overconsumption of vitamin A or supplements containing it can lead to dry, chapped lips. If you're taking more than 25,000 IU of vitamin A daily, it might be time to cut back.
Medications - Certain medications, such as Accutane (used for acne), propranolol (a blood pressure medication), and prochlorperazine (used for dizziness), can also cause lips to become chapped. If you're on these medications and experiencing dry lips, consult your doctor for possible alternatives or solutions.