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Have Cracked, Dry Lips This Winter? A Derm Shares The Lip Balm Ingredients That Make It Worse & Lead To 'Irritated Lips,' Plus What To Do Instead For 'Moisture'

January 31, 2025 by Mariam Qayum
shefinds | Beauty
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During the winter months, dry, chapped lips become a common struggle due to cold air, harsh winds, and indoor heating stripping away moisture. While lip balms seem like the perfect solution, some ingredients can actually make dryness worse, leading to irritation and discomfort.

Many people are left wondering why their lip balms fail to deliver the promised relief, leaving them with cracked, irritated lips instead.

Dr. Adel, a dermatologist who specializes in skin and hair, recently shared the ingredients to watch out for plus some helpful steps that will fix your chapped pout troubles. Read on to get all her insights.

@aamnaadel dry lips are not it this winter #dermatologist #dermatologydoctor #skintok #skincareroutine #skincare #drylips #lipcare #foryou #fyp #fypシ original sound – Dr Adel | Dermatologist

The Worst Lip Balm Ingredients That Dry Out Your Lips

Dr. Adel says, “Any lip balm that contains menthol or camphor is basically going to be making your dry lips much worse.”

Menthol and camphor have a cooling or tingling effect that may feel soothing at first but can lead to further irritation. They are known to eventually strip away natural moisture, causing lips to become even drier and more prone to cracking and over time.

She adds that these ingredients are going to lead to “your skin feeling more irritated, which means that your skin feels drier.”’ This causes that urge to keep applying more product, which eventually leads to further dryness; it’s an endless “irritating” cycle!

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What To Do Instead

So, what should you use instead? She suggests to just apply a “small layer of hyaluronic acid and then seal that all in with a layer of Vaseline.” This is because hyaluronic acid is known to “draw moisture into your skin.”

The Vaseline will act as an “inclusivity.” It will also stop your skin “from losing moisture” due to environmental reasons.

Author:

Editorial Assistant

Mariam is an Editorial Assistant and writer at SheFinds, covering everything from style and beauty to health and wellness. Splitting her time between New York and Philadelphia, she brings a sharp eye for trends and a passion for storytelling to the digital space. With a strong editorial background, she’s always exploring the latest in fashion, skincare, and wellness. When she’s not writing or pitching, you’ll find her in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes or planning her next travel adventure. You can reach Mariam at mariam@shefinds.com.

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Woman enjoying a protein drink for fitness and beauty enhancement.
Washing hair in shower for fresh, clean locks
Aging eyeliner technique demonstrated via Instagram
Bone broth benefits with woman showcasing firm skin
Enjoying dark chocolate for skin and health benefits
Haircut taking place in a vibrant salon setting
Dove Cameron's mermaid makeup look by artist
Scalp and hair services for healthy hair care
Close-up of a middle-aged woman touching her face
Eva Longoria's rich espresso brunette hair color
Woman applying lip liner for defined lips
Gua sha tool used for facial massage and lifting
Man getting a stylish haircut at a barber shop.
Woman enjoying a healthy meal with leafy greens, eggs, and steak.
Woman concerned about wrinkles while surrounded by sugary foods.
Close-up of a woman receiving Botox treatment for crow's feet.
Styling a pixie cut with a flat iron for a sleek look.
Woman peacefully sleeping in a cozy bedroom setting.
Image of a celebrity in a glamorous pose at a photoshoot.

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