Chapped and peeling lips can happen to women at any age, and can be caused by a number of different factors. The condition can make it painful to smile, and even make it difficult to put your lipstick on. While there are several different top rated lip plumpers and balms that can help treat the problem, knowing why your lips are chapped can help you prevent the problem.

Causes of Chapped Lips
The skin over your lips is thin and delicate, which makes it susceptible to cracking and peeling. In addition to having delicate skin, your lips also do not have oil producing glands. The inability to produce its own moisture also increases the chances are your lips becoming sore. The lack of moisture makes it easier for your lips to become chapped and dry from cold winds and overexposure to the sun, along with frequently licking your lips. Instead of adding moisture, the continual licking is actually causing your lips to dry out faster. Another common cause of chapped and peeling lips is exposure to indoor heating systems. The humidity levels drop in the air during the winter months, making it easier for your lips to become chapped.

Symptoms of Chapped and Peeling Lips
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you are probably dealing with chapped lips.

Dry and peeling skin
Flaking skin, especially when trying to apply lipstick
Scales on your lips
Painful sores
Swelling not due to using a top rated lip plumper
Cracks in the skin
Bleeding on or around the lip area
These are the most commonly reported symptoms and the severity can vary according to your lips, and if you have been following any preventive measures.

More Serious Causes of Sore Lips
In most cases the cause of chapped and peeling lips is generally due to overexposure to the weather, but it can also be an indicator of a more serious health condition. Severe dehydration and malnutrition can cause the skin on your lips to become dry and cracked. The lack of nourishing vitamins and minerals can not only make it more difficult for your lips to heal, it can also be causing the problem. The same is true for being dehydrated which is especially important since your lips rely on lip balms and the rest of your body to stay moisturized. Dehydration can also become a serious health problem if it is not treated immediately, along with malnutrition. If you suspect that your chapped and peeling lips are a result of these conditions, a health care professional should be immediately contacted.

Another serious cause of chapped lips is Cheilitis. This disease is more common in older adults, and is usually a result of another health problem. In most cases Cheilitis can be easily treated with a treatment plan provided by your health care adviser. This skin condition is commonly categorized by cracked skin on and around your mouth along with the following,

Lips are darker in color than normal.
Your lips are lump in texture.
Develop ulcers on your lips.
There is a coating of white plaque on the surface of your lips.
Are you at Risk?
There are some risk factors associated with dry lips and knowing what they are can help you prevent the painful problem. Some medications can increase your risk, along with certain cancer treatments. Higher amounts of vitamin A can also cause your lips to dry out, and become cracked. Overexposure to the sun can not only cause dehydration, but burn the sensitive skin causing it to peel. By identifying certain risk factors, you can help prevent your lips from becoming chapped.

Summary
There are several reasons why women’s lips can become chapped and start to peel, and once you understand why it occurs you can start to treat and prevent the problem occurring. The most common causes are overexposure to the weather, or not staying hydrated. Not using a moisturizing lip balm regularly can also cause your lips to become chapped and peeling. Using a top rated lip balm, staying hydrated, and making healthy lifestyle choices can all help to prevent painful lip problems. When your lips are healthy you not only look and feel better, but you can also get back to enjoying kissing your significant other.