Overexposure to wind, sun, cold and dryness are the main culprits in causing chapped lips, writes Lynda Schrager in the Albany (N.Y.) Times Union. As we age, she adds, it is harder for skin to retain moisture. "Avoid lip-smacking or licking your lips. When you do, you provide a drop of moisture that evaporates quickly, leaving the lips drier than before. Saliva contains digestive enzymes that can break down the protective barrier on the lips."



Many lip sticks and lip balms just add to the dryness problem. Many say it is the manufacturer's who's feeding on the consumer's dry lip addiction (not proven), and that it is not necessary to use these products, which often only leave your lips more chapped the more you use it. Some urban legends even claim companies add addictive chemicals to facilitate non-stop re-application.

In extreme cold, stick to a lip moisturizer for best results! And if you need sun protection in hot climates, find a lip moisturizer with sunscreen.