Winter in Pakistan can be surprisingly harsh on the skin—and your lips often feel it first. Chilly winds, low humidity, and indoor heaters all work together to dry out the delicate skin on your lips, leading to flakiness, cracks, and discomfort. The good news? With the right care routine and a bit of mindfulness, you can enjoy soft, hydrated, and healthy lips all season long.

This guide breaks down the science of winter-dry lips, the habits that may be making them worse, and easy solutions backed by dermatology-supported practices. By the end, you’ll have a practical, winter-proof lip-care routine anyone can follow.

Why Lips Get Extra Dry in Winter

1. Lack of Oil Glands

Unlike the rest of your skin, lips don’t have sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. That means they can’t moisturize themselves naturally. When winter strips away moisture, your lips have no built-in defense.

2. Thin, Sensitive Skin

Lip skin is much thinner—often less than half the thickness of facial skin. This makes lips more vulnerable to wind, cold air, and dehydration.

3. Reduced Humidity

Winter air holds less moisture. Outdoor air becomes dry, and indoor heating systems make it even worse. This pulls hydration from the skin.

4. Frequent Licking

While licking your lips may feel soothing, it actually accelerates dryness. As saliva evaporates, it takes even more moisture with it.

Signs Your Lips Need Extra Care This Winter

If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s time to update your routine:

  • Tight or stretched feeling around the mouth

  • Visible flakes or peeling skin

  • Redness or irritation

  • Burning or stinging sensation

  • Small cracks that worsen while speaking or eating

These symptoms are extremely common in winter months across Pakistan, especially in colder regions like Murree, Quetta, and Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Winter Lip-Care Fundamentals

1. Exfoliate Gently (No Harsh Scrubs!)

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin and allows moisturizers to penetrate better.

How to exfoliate safely:

  • Use a soft washcloth with warm water

  • OR make a gentle scrub:

    • 1 teaspoon honey

    • 1 teaspoon sugar

    • Massage for 20–30 seconds only

  • Rinse with lukewarm water

  • Pat dry—never rub

Avoid using harsh scrubs or exfoliating too frequently. Once or twice a week is enough.

2. Apply Lip Balm Regularly

A good lip balm seals in moisture and adds a protective barrier against cold air.

Look for these hydrating ingredients:

  • Shea butter

  • Beeswax

  • Ceramides

  • Hyaluronic acid

  • Cocoa butter

  • Petroleum jelly (excellent for sealing hydration)

Avoid ingredients that can irritate lips:

  • Fragrance or perfume

  • Artificial flavors

  • Menthol, camphor, or eucalyptus (common in “cooling” lip balms)

Use balm multiple times throughout the day—especially before sleeping.

3. Stay Hydrated (Even When You Don’t Feel Thirsty)

In winter, we naturally drink less water because we don't feel as thirsty. But dehydration shows up quickly on the skin—especially the lips.

Simple ways to stay hydrated:

  • Keep a water bottle by your workspace

  • Drink warm herbal teas

  • Add electrolytes when needed

  • Eat water-rich foods: oranges, cucumbers, soups, yogurt

Hydration works from the inside out, so make it a daily habit.

4. Protect Lips From the Sun

Many people forget that winter sun can be strong, especially in snowy or mountainous areas. UV rays contribute to pigmentation and dryness.

Tip:

Use a lip balm with SPF 15 or above if you spend time outdoors.

5. Use a Humidifier Indoors

Heaters and gas stoves dry out indoor air. If you frequently wake up with dry lips or a dry throat, low humidity is likely the cause.

Using a humidifier at night:

  • Restores moisture in the air

  • Helps prevent morning lip cracking

  • Supports healthier winter skin overall

If you don’t have a humidifier, placing a bowl of water near the heater can help slightly.

Eat Lip-Friendly Foods

Winter cravings often lean toward dry snacks and hot, salty foods—but these can worsen dryness.

Foods that help your lips stay hydrated:

  • Almonds (rich in vitamin E)

  • Avocado

  • Eggs

  • Salmon

  • Fresh fruits like oranges and strawberries

  • Olive oil

Avoid or limit:

  • Very salty snacks

  • Spicy foods

  • Processed sugar

A nutrient-rich diet supports the skin’s natural healing process.

Avoid These Common Lip-Damaging Habits

1. Licking Your Lips

Saliva evaporates quickly and leaves lips drier than before.

2. Peeling Dead Skin

Even if it’s tempting, peeling can cause bleeding and infections.

3. Using Matte Lipsticks Daily

Matte formulas are naturally drying. Opt for hydrating lipsticks or use balm underneath.

4. Breathing Through Your Mouth

This dries lips surprisingly fast, especially while sleeping.

5. Ignoring Lip Allergies

Some lip balms contain fragrance or essential oils that can irritate sensitive skin. If your lips burn after applying a product, discontinue it immediately.

A Winter Lip-Care Routine You Can Follow Easily

Below is a simple routine suitable for winter months in Pakistan:

Morning Routine

  1. Rinse lips with lukewarm water

  2. Apply a hydrating lip balm

  3. Reapply every 2–3 hours

  4. If going outdoors, use SPF lip balm

Night Routine

  1. Gently exfoliate (1–2 times/week)

  2. Apply a nourishing balm or petroleum jelly

  3. Turn on a humidifier

  4. Avoid sleeping with the heater blowing directly on your face

Following this routine consistently prevents flakiness and supports the natural repair process.

Natural Remedies for Winter Lips (Dermatologist-Approved)

While commercial balms are effective, some home ingredients can also help:

1. Honey Mask

  • Natural humectant

  • Hydrates and heals

  • Leave on for 10–15 minutes

2. Aloe Vera Gel

  • Soothes cracked or irritated lips

  • Reduces inflammation

3. Coconut or Almond Oil

  • Contains fatty acids that help seal moisture

  • Good for night use

4. Cucumber Slices

  • Hydrates

  • Helps reduce dryness around the mouth

These remedies work well as supplements—but they should not replace barrier-protecting lip balms.

When to See a Dermatologist

If you experience any of the following, seek professional advice:

  • Persistent cracks in the corners of the mouth

  • Bleeding that does not heal

  • Severe peeling despite regular care

  • Burning or persistent redness

  • Dark patches or pigmentation that worsen

These may indicate cheilitis (lip inflammation) or an allergic reaction that requires treatment.

Conclusion

Caring for your lips in winter doesn’t have to be complicated. A mix of hydration, protection, gentle exfoliation, and mindful habits can completely transform your lips—keeping them smooth, soft, and comfortable even during the coldest months.

By following the tips above, you’ll not only prevent winter dryness but also build a healthy lip-care routine that works year-round. And remember: your lips deserve just as much attention as the rest of your skin!