How to Prevent Chapped Lips in the UK’s Harsh Winter Weather

When cold winds blow in the UK, one of the first signs of the severity of the season shows itself in your lips. Chapped, dry, cracked lips are a seasonal agony for anyone who has to experience the outside, whether commuting in the ravenous cold or the person plopped at home warming up indoors.

But don’t fret you can help manage your lips to remain soft, healthy, and hydrated throughout the season with some simple care, consistency, and understanding of what winter does to your skin. Using a hydrating lip balm regularly can make a noticeable difference, locking in moisture and creating a protective barrier against the harsh British chill.

In this guide, we will examine why it is that lips suffer from being chapped in cold weather, how to nourish and protect them, and general skincare habits and products that will provide that little edge  especially through the damp and windy winters in the UK.

Understanding Why Lips Get Chapped in Winter

Unlike other skin, your lips do not have oil glands to provide natural moisture. Therefore, the only way to keep your lips soft and moisturized is by external care. Factors that will contribute to dry, cracked lips during the UK's winter are: 

Cold, dry air outside will remove moisture from the skin.

Indoor heating will cause low humidity thus creating excess dryness.

Wind exposure hastens the removal of moisture from the lip’s sensitive surface.

You'll notice people lick lips in response to dryness, but doing this only makes things worse and further dries the lips out.

Not enough water consumed in winter can result in dehydration this results in cracked and dry lips.

In the end, your lips become tight, flaky and even painful, all of which leads to discomfort and self consciousness. 

The Importance of Lip Care in the UK’s Climate

Winter in the UK is a different experience. It's not just cold, it is also damp and windy, and that makes it harder for your skin to hold on to hydration. So, lip care requires hydration and moisturised skin across your whole body.

It's important to have a direct commitment to lip care, as it isn't just for aesthetics; it helps your skin barrier, helps with inflammation and prevents cracks that could lead to infections, and helps the rest of your skincare routine whether that is a body cream, moisturiser, or hand lotion.

Top Causes of Chapped Lips in Winter

Let’s take a closer look at the most common culprits and how to counter them.

How to Prevent Chapped Lips in the UK’s Harsh Winter

Here’s a complete, step by step approach to keeping your lips nourished, soft, and healthy all winter long.

1. Keep Your Lips Hydrated

Hydration starts from within. Many people underestimate how important water is for skin health during winter. Even though you may not feel as thirsty, your body still loses moisture through the skin and breath.

Tips:

• Drink at least 6–8 glasses of water daily.
  
  
• Include hydrating foods such as cucumber, oranges, and soups.
  
  
• Reduce excessive caffeine or alcohol, which dehydrate the body.
  
  

Your lips will stay plumper and healthier when your whole body is properly hydrated.

2. Choose the Right Lip Balm

A quality lip balm acts as a protective barrier against harsh elements. Look for ingredients like:

• Petroleum jelly or mineral oil (locks in moisture)
  
  
• Beeswax (natural protective layer)
  
  
• Shea butter and cocoa butter (deep nourishment)
  
  
• Vitamin E (repairs damaged skin cells)
  
  

Avoid lip balms containing artificial fragrances or menthol, as they can cause irritation.

If you’re using Curalene Petroleum Jelly, apply a thin layer before stepping outside it creates a long lasting shield that prevents moisture loss and keeps your lips soft all day.

3. Exfoliate Gently

Dead skin cells can build up on your lips, making them appear dull and flaky. Gently exfoliating once or twice a week removes this layer, allowing your lip balm to absorb better.

You can create a simple homemade scrub with:

• A teaspoon of sugar
  
  
• A few drops of honey or olive oil
  
  

Rub it gently on your lips in circular motions, then rinse off and apply a moisturising balm immediately.

4. Avoid Licking or Biting Your Lips

When your lips feel dry, licking them may seem like instant relief. However, saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips drier than before. Similarly, biting or peeling dry skin can lead to bleeding and infections.

Instead, keep a lip balm handy and apply it whenever you feel dryness coming on.

5. Protect Lips When Outdoors

Cold winds and low temperatures can wreak havoc on your lips. Make it a habit to:

• Apply lip balm 15–20 minutes before heading outside.
  
  
• Reapply every few hours, especially after eating or drinking.
  
  
• Cover your mouth with a scarf or high collar on particularly cold or windy days.
  
  

This protective layering ensures your lips stay nourished even in unpredictable UK weather.

6. Maintain Indoor Humidity

Central heating may keep you warm, but it also dries out the air inside your home. This can deplete your skin’s moisture, including your lips.

To balance it:

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
  
  
• Keep a bowl of water near radiators to naturally increase humidity.
  
  

Apply a nourishing body cream and lip balm at night before bed for complete hydration.

7. Include Lip Care in Your Night Routine

Night is the best time to allow your lips to repair and rejuvenate.
Before bed:

• Gently exfoliate if needed.
  
  
• Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or rich balm.
  
  
• Sleep in a humidified room for better moisture retention.
  
  

You’ll wake up to soft, healthy lips ready to face another chilly UK morning.

Holistic Skincare Tips for Winter

Your lips don’t exist in isolation they’re part of your skin’s ecosystem. For complete winter protection:

• Use a nourishing body cream after every shower to lock in moisture.
  
  
• Avoid long, hot showers, which strip the skin’s natural oils.
  
  
• Opt for gentle cleansers that don’t over-dry your skin.
  
  
• Keep your hands and feet moisturised they suffer from dryness too.
  
  

By maintaining overall hydration and moisturised skin, your lips will naturally remain healthier and more resilient against winter dryness.

DIY Remedies for Chapped Lips

Sometimes, your kitchen can offer effective solutions for winter lip care:

• Honey and Olive Oil: Mix equal parts and apply as a natural moisturiser.
  
  
• Aloe Vera Gel: Soothes irritation and heals cracks quickly.
  
  
• Coconut Oil: Offers deep hydration and antibacterial protection.
  
  
• Cucumber Slices: Cool and hydrate chapped lips naturally.
  
  

Use these remedies in addition to your daily lip balm for best results.

Common Lip Care Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, certain habits can undo your lip care routine:

• Using matte lipsticks daily without a moisturising base.
  
  
• Forgetting SPF UV rays can still damage lips in winter.
  
  
• Over exfoliating, which leads to soreness.
  
  
• Ignoring lip hydration when indoors for long periods.
  
  

Make small adjustments to your routine to protect your lips and keep them looking naturally healthy.

Recommended Lip Care Routine for Winter

Following this simple schedule can make a noticeable difference in just a few days.

Conclusion

Chapped lips may seem trivial, yet regular attention in the UK’s cold and wet winter can make a real difference to how you feel and how you look. 

Maintaining moisture levels in your body and hydrating your skin, reaching for a product made from quality protective ingredients such as petroleum jelly, and having a regular skincare routine can keep your lips smooth and healthy throughout the season.

At Curalene, we believe that caring for your skin should be simple, proven effective and suitable for all climates. Our rich formulations and nourishing ingredients reinforce that we are the number one trusted UK skincare brand, to care for your skin and lips, naturally every day. 

When you are ready to take your winter skincare to the next level, see our range of nourishing products for the UK climate. 

Visit Curalene.com to find jellies, body creams, vapour rubs and more! All lovingly prepared to keep your skin, healthy, hydrated and glowing throughout the year.

Stay soft. Stay confident. Stay Curalene. 

FAQs

Q1. Why are my lips so dry even when I use lip balm?
You may be using products with irritants such as menthol or alcohol. Choose a balm with petroleum jelly, beeswax, or shea butter instead.

Q2. How often should I apply lip balm in winter?
Ideally, every 2–3 hours, and always before sleeping or going outdoors.

Q3. Can dehydration cause chapped lips?
Yes. Insufficient water intake leads to reduced moisture levels, resulting in dry and flaky lips.

Q4. What’s the best overnight treatment for chapped lips?
Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or a hydrating balm before bed to restore moisture overnight.

Q5. Is lip exfoliation safe?
Yes, but only once or twice a week. Over-exfoliation can damage the thin skin on your lips.

Q6. Should I use SPF lip balm in winter?
Absolutely. UV rays can still harm your lips even on cloudy days in the UK.