5-Step Regimen for Chapped Lips

Step 1: Apply the Right Kind of Lip Balm

Does your lip balm seem to worsen the dryness? This can happen due to irritating ingredients, particularly if you’re prone to eczema, rosacea, or atopic dermatitis. In such cases, opt for simple, fragrance-free formulations, or even better, ghee (clarified butter), which is discussed in Step 3.

Look for:

Petrolatum or mineral oil (occlusives)
Ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid (hydrating agents)
Shea or cocoa butter (emollients)

Finding the right balm can be difficult. Check Dermatocare’s curated reviews on lip balms to help narrow down effective, irritation-free options.

Step 2: Avoid All Possible Irritants

Dry lips are hypersensitive. Avoid or temporarily eliminate:

All lip cosmetics (reintroduce one brand/week once healed)
Spicy or acidic foods
Strong toothpaste and mouthwashes
Salty snacks or citrus fruits if burning occurs

Use children’s toothpaste temporarily and eliminate lipsticks until complete recovery.

Step 3: Try This Home Remedy

Despite trying various commercial and even luxury lip balms, my users found lasting relief from a simple Ayurvedic remedy—ghee (clarified butter).

Apply warm ghee every 30 to 120 minutes initially. Rub between your fingers to warm it slightly before applying. Over time, reduce the frequency to after meals and before bedtime.

Ghee acts as a natural emollient, anti-inflammatory, and skin barrier restorer. It’s safe, effective, and easily available:

Step 4: Avoid Licking or Picking

Moistening dry lips by licking them offers momentary relief but ultimately worsens the dryness due to digestive enzymes in saliva.

Avoid peeling flakes—these protect the new skin underneath and will slough off naturally as healing progresses.

Step 5: Substitute Causative Medications

Certain medications can lead to persistent dry lips. Common culprits include:

Isotretinoin
Vitamin A (high doses)
D-penicillamine
Lithium
Busulfan
Isoniazid
Phenothiazines

Do not stop any medication without physician approval. Instead, consult your doctor to discuss alternatives or add lip care support.