Constantly Chapped Lips? It May Be More Than Just the Weather

Chapped lips are a universal issue, winter or summer, and they can be surprisingly annoying. Most people just treat them as a minor annoyance and apply lip balm or petroleum jelly. But repeated dryness, cracked edges, or constantly dull lips aren't necessarily the weather's fault. Several times, they can be a sign of a shortage of essential nutrients in the body. 

There can be numerous factors that make the lips dry and cracked. Dehydration easily dries lips, while dry or cold air exacerbates the issue. Excessive licking of the lips can make them drier and susceptible to cracking. Smoking cigarettes or tobacco can damage the delicate skin of the lips. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamins and minerals, play a major role, as can certain medications. Imbalances in nutrients like vitamin A and zinc can also contribute. Chapped lips are often linked to deficiencies in vitamins B2 (riboflavin) and B12 (cobalamin).

• Vitamin B2 deficiency: Lips and skin become dry and rough, cracks or sores can appear at the corners of the mouth, and the tongue may become red and swollen.

• Vitamin B12 deficiency: Lips may crack at the corners, and other symptoms like irritation, fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, and worsened hair and skin conditions may occur.

How to Overcome Vitamin B2 and B12 Deficiency

To address these deficiencies, include the following in your daily diet: dairy products like milk, paneer, yogurt, and cheese; eggs and other non-vegetarian options; fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines; green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, and soy products. If your diet isn’t enough to meet your needs, supplements for B2 and B12 can be taken under a doctor’s guidance.

Simple Lip Care Tips

• Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated.

• Use a lip balm with SPF, especially when outdoors.

• Exfoliate your lips 2–3 times a week.

• Opt for organic lip balms whenever possible.

• Applying beetroot juice at night can naturally moisturize your lips and give them a healthy color.

By following these simple measures, you can protect your lips from dryness and cracking while keeping them soft, hydrated, and naturally beautiful.