The skin on your lips is thinner and usually more sensitive that on your face or body. Your lips also don't have any follicles with oil glands, so they can easily dry out.

Chapped (or dry, tight, cracked, scaly or peeling) lips are typically caused by a combination of factors, including environmental conditions, dehydration, and lifestyle habits:

• Dry air, cold or hot weather, sun exposure, and wind can strip moisture from the lips
• Dehydration also plays a significant role, as it can lead to a general lack of moisture throughout the body, including the lips
• Frequently licking your lips

Chapped lips can occur in anyone at any age. People who have eczema are often more susceptible to chapped lips, and frequently chapped lips can lead to atopic cheilitis, a form of lip eczema. Severely chapped lips usually hurt or sting when eating, especially citrus, spicy or salty foods.

Applying lip protection (gelee, balm) frequently should ease discomfort quickly. The average healing time is 2 to 3 weeks, but severely chapped lips may take longer. If you treat chapped lips immediately, your lips will heal much faster and you can avoid unwanted infections.