As the cold moves in, there are a few things that always happen: People look at the forecast daily hoping for a snow day, and lips start to resemble the floor of a desert.

So why do our lips get so dry and chapped during the winter? Well, it's partially the weather — and it's partially us.

Dry, cold air (not to mention wind) tries to pull moisture from anything it can, including lips. The saliva on freshly licked lips evaporates into the air, and draws moisture onto the surface which is also evaporated. The constant licking of lips can create a vicious drying cycle as lips become dryer, and are then licked to counteract that.

So what can you do? First, stop licking your lips. Instead, opt for an alcohol-free lip balm. There are a number of locally made, natural options. The Beehive in Edgewood sells a variety.

You can also try your hand at making your own.

Other ways to avoid winter lips are exfoliating and sleeping with a humidifier. As always, be sure to winter-proof the rest of your skin. You can keep track of the weather and just how dry it is here.

Just remember, the colder it is and the lower the humidity, the more TLC you’ll need for your smackers.

MORE HEALTH NEWS

How social media helped a woman lose 142 pounds

9 things no one tells you about weight-loss surgery

Why some men are asking for breast-reduction surgery

New research will radically change response to strokes

Military families bolster the case that obesity is contagious

Toddler with rare cancer meets 24 the blood donors who helped save her life

Potential male birth control pill has strange origins

Obesity surgery safer than traditional treatments, study suggests

About the Author

Keep Reading

Blooper celebrates the Atlanta Brave’s 5-0 win over the New York Mets during a MLB game Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Truist Park. This year, the venue is a first-time host of the MLB All-Star game. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

Credit: Daniel Varnado for the AJC

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC