There are two basic things that give you cracked, dry lips: lack of internal moisture, and lack of external moisture. When your lips are dry, chances are your whole body is, too. Start by upping your water consumption, and I don't mean drink more coffee! Coffee, tea and soda actually increase the amount of water you need because the caffeine and sugar and sodium present in soft drinks are all dehydrating. Diet sodas are even worse: they cause you to excrete more water than ordinary, hyper-sugared drinks. (Alcohol is a major source of dehydration, so if you have a few drinks with the girls, make sure you drink plenty of water before you go to bed. It will help rehydrate your body.)
Drink actual water, mineral water is great, but avoid the new caffeine-laced waters, which will just make you thirsty all over again. Shoot for getting at least 8, 8-ouces glasses a day. That's a lot of liquid, but that’s what your body needs, and it will help your lips retain their moisture. (You know in movies where alcoholics and drug addicts always have nasty-looking lips? That's dehydration you're looking at.) If dry lips are a chronic thing for you, consider adding essential fatty acids (EFAs) to your diet. These oils have been found to help all sorts of skin ailments, and make skin stronger, healthier and more elastic. Either take one of the fish oil supplements, or try evening primrose oil, which is often packaged with Vitamin E. All of these things are good for your skin and will help your lips stay in condition.
That takes care of the internal moisture issue. If you're the type whose lips get chapped in summer and winter weather extremes, you will probably also want an external solution. Wind, sun, air conditioning and dry heat can all chap your lips. If you're drinking plenty of water and getting your essential fatty acids, you can also help your lips by applying a good lip balm. Look for ingredients like Vitamin E, which is good taken internally or externally, and which comes in many lip balms. Don't just buy the super-cheap stuff in the tube at the checkout—look for quality ingredients like beeswax, calming herbs like chamomile and plant oils. Get lip balm with SPF 15 or higher. If your lips are sensitive, avoid products with menthol or eucalyptus: camphor and menthol may feel wonderful when you apply them, but they can make dry skin worse. Use a good lip balm day and night to help your lips heal and to keep them protected from the elements.
