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Causes of Chapped & Faded Lips

There's no doubt about it--chapped and faded lips are not only unattractive, but they can be painful and difficult to care for as well. The key to restoring a healthy glow to your lips is in understanding why they're chapped to begin with. Believe it or not, there are dozens of causes for chapped and faded lips--some of which will surprise you. A few of the most common are described here.

  1. Dehydration

    • The number one cause of chapped and faded lips is dehydration. In some cases, the solution may be as simple as drinking more water (in which case your entire body is likely dehydrated). In other cases, you may need to add a protective balm, like a lip balm, to shield your lips from the elements.

    Propyl Gallate Allergy

    • Propyl gallate is an ingredient commonly used in the production of lipsticks. If your lips tend to feel dry after applying lipstick (we're talking about the cosmetic type used to color your lips), you may have an allergy to this chemical and should stop using lipsticks made with propyl gallate.

    Toothpaste

    • Some toothpastes contain chemicals that can contribute to the occurrence of dry or faded lips. The first, guaiazulene, is a crystalline hydrocarbon that is FDA approved to add color to certain beauty products. The other, sodium lauryl sulfate, is a chemical used in cleaning products, but it also is used in a lower dose in health care and beauty products. Its use is attributed to the foaming lather you get from your toothpastes, shampoos and bubble baths.

    Nickel Allergies

    • Individuals who are allergic to nickel may develop chapped and faded lips. These symptoms often present themselves in individuals who absentmindedly chew on paperclips and metal pens while working. Keep your office products away from your lips if you have a nickel allergy.

    Cobalt Allergies

    • Many vitamin B12 supplements contain high levels of cobalt, and some individuals develop an allergy to cobalt after taking these vitamins for an extended period of time. The symptoms will include crusted lips and sometimes swelling, and your lips will appear to get worse after exposure to the elements.

    Red Dyes

    • Chemical red dyes are used in a variety of food and beauty products. It's not uncommon to have an allergy to these chemicals. They're often found in candy, toothpaste and mouthwash, to name a few. If your lips are constantly dry, you may need to check the ingredients in anything you use with a red appearance.

    Cinnamate Allergies

    • Cinnamates often are used in artificially flavored products. They offer a synthetic recreation of the cinnamon flavor, but they often are too harsh for the lips to handle. Cinnamates sometimes are included in cinnamon-flavored candies, gums, lozenges and toothpastes.

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