Why Does Skin Get Dry and Lips Crack in Cold Weather?

No matter how well you take care of your skin, you probably still feel a little worried about winter, which can damage your skin and make it dry and rough easily. There are many ways to care for and prevent this, but it's better to first understand the real cause of dry, rough skin so we can protect our beautiful skin and nourish it in the right way.

Let's Get to Know Our Skin

Water is an important component of our skin. The outer layer, the horny layer, contains about 10–20% water, while the layers beneath it down to the inner skin contain as much as 60–70% water. The oily substances beneath the skin cell layer, such as ceramide, and the skin's natural moisturizers, such as NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) and sebum  secreted from glands beneath the skin, are known as the skin's natural cream, and their job is to keep the skin moisturized at all times. That's why ceramide and NMF are essential components that simply can't be missing. If the water content beneath the skin drops below 10%, the skin becomes dry, rough, and uneven, which can lead to problems that bother us, ladies.

So What Causes the Water Content Beneath the Skin to Drop Below 10%?

One of the reasons most often cited is an insufficient protective film on the skin. This sebum membrane works to hold water in the skin and prevent evaporation of the moisture in the outer layers. This film is produced when our body secretes it through the skin—a natural cream containing moisturizers that suit our skin best. But during winter, when temperature and humidity drop, our body secretes less of this substance, causing water in the skin layers to evaporate until the water content beneath the skin falls below 10%, which in turn makes the skin dry and rough.

Even though winter in Thailand may not be all that cold, one thing many people can't overlook is the increasingly dry air—and that dryness is really the main factor behind dry skin, cracking, flaking, and in some cases, itchiness.

Dry Lips in Winter—What Can You Do?

It's well known that during winter, water in our body evaporates especially quickly, and this is what causes our skin to be drier than usual—especially our lips, which always tend to become dry and cracked before other areas.

So Why Do Lips Crack More Easily Than Other Areas, Even Outside of Winter?

Did you know? No matter the weather, your lips have a chance of becoming dry and flaking, because the lip area has no oil glands to coat and prevent water from evaporating the way other areas of skin do, which is exactly what makes them dry and flaky so easily—especially when the air is too dry or too hot, leaving lips lacking in moisture. Drinking and eating habits play a role too. If dry lips are left alone for a long time, they'll crack and form grooves. Let's look at how to fix this, so your body's skin and pretty lips don't have to suffer from dryness.

How to Fix Dry Lips in Winter

Drink Plenty of Water

Because water helps replenish moisture beneath the skin, keeping it from becoming dry and cracked easily, we should drink plenty of water—at least 8–10 glasses a day.

Avoid Pursing or Licking Your Lips

Some people believe that licking their lips helps make them more moisturized. But in reality, when we purse or lick our lips, the digestive enzymes in our saliva actually make our lips even drier. If this continues, it may cause the lips to crack and become inflamed instead.

Apply Honey to Your Lips

Honey contains antioxidants rich in antibacterial compounds that help prevent inflammation or infection if your lips crack and flake. It also helps wounds heal faster and slows cell deterioration, leaving lips soft and moisturized.

Scrub Your Lips

If your lips are so dry they're flaking, try mixing warm water with a little ground salt and gently wiping it over your lips, or use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your lips—this will help the flakes lift off. But don't forget, once you're done scrubbing, apply lip balm to add moisture back to your lips.

Regularly Apply Lip Gloss or Lip Balm

As winter sets in, choose a lip gloss or lip balm that contains moisturizers to nourish your lips, keeping them smooth and moisturized. If you have to be out in the sun, choose a lip gloss or balm that also contains UV protection, since sunlight will make your lips even drier and duller.