What are dry lips?
According to Devinder Thappa, a clinical pediatric dermatologist, chapped lips is also known as common cheilitis. This is characterized by the inflammation, cracking and peeling of the skin in the lips. In worse conditions, cheilitis can lead to splitting and bleeding of the lips.

Causes of dry chapped lips
There are different causes of dry chapped lips. It is important to know the reason why your lips are chapping since this will also tell how your chapped lips should be treated. The following are the different causes of chapped lips.

1. Diet
You should always be careful when it comes to the kind of food you take in or in this instance the type of food that you don’t take in. A deficiency of B vitamins can trigger dry lips. A good way to ensure that you are getting enough B vitamins in your system is by always opting for unprocessed foods since these are jam packed with this vitamin. Also, in the book on Biochemical, physiological, molecular aspects of human nutrition, it has been stated that meats such as turkey, tuna and liver are also rich in B Vitamins.

2. Unhealthy habit
Simple habits such as habitually licking or biting your lips can also be detrimental to the health of your lips. You see, saliva is rich with enzymes that are supposed to aid in your digestion, having these enzymes come in contact with your lips a little bit too often will cause them to dry out. Doctor Oz (of Oprah fame) also recommends having family members periodically check on you when you are sleeping since some people also do this without even noticing it in their sleep.

3 .Numerous products
Always remember that lips have fewer layers of skin than other parts of your body and also have no protection from outside forces unlike other body parts. For this reason, it is always advised not to use too much product on your lips as the chemicals on these products can dry your lips out. Let you puckers breathe and opt to go for a more natural look every now and then!

4. Life Styles
Your lifestyle choices can definitely impact your lips’ health. For example a person who often smokes, parties, sleeps late and eat eats unhealthily will not only end up looking tired and old but will also end up with lips that look unhealthy and dry.

5. Infections
Having your dry lips checked out can also be important since this could also be a tell tale sign of a more serious infection. According to Doctor Oz, a common condition around the lips known as a perleche which is essentially a yeast infection will have your lips feeling scaly. Usually, special treatments and ointments will be recommended by your doctor to remedy these kinds of conditions.

6. Smoking
If you are a smoker, always keep your lips moisturized to avoid having your lips dry out. However, the best treatment would just be quitting smoking all together. You see, smoking will strip your lips of its natural oils making them dry out.

7. Weather
The elements can cause of lips to dry out. The winter can cause chapped lips because of its strong winds and cool temperature. The summer can also affect our lips since too much exposure to the sun can make your lips chapped. Always keep your lips moisturized and protected by using lip balms that have beeswax and sun protection.

8. Dehydration
Water not only keeps your body hydrated but it will also keep your lips moisturized and healthy looking. It is also important to drink more water during the winter times since the weather is a little bit harsher during this period.

9. Exposure to sun radiations
When lips are exposed to the harsh rays of the sun for too long of a time, your lips will become sunburnt, dry, swollen and may even end up bleeding. Always remember to have a lip balm with sun protection on it to guard your smackers from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Treatment for dry lips
The best treatment for dry cracked lips would be to have them checked out by your dermatologist. Although most cases of cracked lips are attributable to the weather, and can easily be treated by proper moisturization and a good balanced diet, some instances will point to a more serious condition. Doctors will usually recommend special ointments and cream to help.

Once you have ruled out more serious conditions as the reason for your cracked lips and you find out your cracked lips are of a more common variety, these tips will help you get back your healthy and luscious lips in no time.

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Make sure you are getting enough vitamins and supplements needed to maintain the health of your lips. According to the Columbia University Student Health Services, a sufficient amount of vitamins such as B12, B6 and B2 are needed by your lips.
3. Constant moisturization using lip balms and petroleum jelly will not only give you temporary relief but will also lock in much needed moisture.
4. If you’re more of the organic type, then all natural moisturizing agents such as honey, beeswax, aloe vera gel and coconut oil will do wonders for your lips.

How to prevent dry lips?
It is again important to note that in order to prevent your lips from becoming chapped and dry the following guidelines and tips should be followed.
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat the proper balance of food and nutrients that your body needs.
3. Stock up on vitamins A, C and E.
4. Avoid lip licking and biting your lips at all costs.
5. Always moisturize and protect your lips from the harsh elements by using the proper lip balms and oils.