Although dry or chapped lips can be a pain to deal with, there are multiple ways you can find relief and prevent dryness in the future. If you have chapped lips, a lip balm may help hydrate them. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a lip product that contains petroleum, also referred to as petroleum jelly or mineral oil.
It's also a good idea to take extra steps to protect your lips from the cold air, sun, and wind during winter. You should apply a lip balm that has an SPF of at least 15 before venturing outdoors. If it's especially windy out, cover your lips with a scarf to protect them from the drying effects of the wind. Drinking plenty of fluids will help you maintain healthy, hydrated lips, no matter the time of year.
If the air in your home gets dry, a humidifier can add moisture to the air and reduce the chance of chapped lips. You'll also want to avoid licking your lips as much as possible. Although licking the lips may seem like a way to instantly moisturize them, it's actually very drying. Once the saliva evaporates from the surface of the lips, it leaves them drier than before. Saliva also irritates the lips, making your symptoms worse.
If lip balm, avoiding the sun and wind, and other attempts to hydrate your lips don't seem to help, it's a good idea to ask your dermatologist or doctor about your chronic dry lips. Your doctor can evaluate any chronic conditions that might be drying out your lips and help you find a path to relief.