Why Are My Lips More Chapped in Summer?
When most people think about chapped lips, they picture cold winter weather, dry indoor heating, and freezing temperatures.
But every summer, I hear the same question:
"Why are my lips so dry right now?"
As a pharmacist and skincare formulator, I can tell you that summer can be surprisingly tough on your lips. In fact, many of the activities we love most during the warmer months can contribute to dryness, peeling, and discomfort.
If your lips feel dry no matter how often you're reaching for lip balm, one (or more) of these summer culprits may be to blame.
1. Sun Exposure
Your lips are especially vulnerable to the sun.
Unlike other areas of your skin, your lips contain very little melanin, the pigment that helps protect against UV damage. As a result, prolonged sun exposure can leave lips feeling dry, irritated, and uncomfortable. Whether you're spending the day at the beach, gardening, hiking, or simply enjoying time outdoors, your lips are exposed to the same environmental stressors.
Just like the rest of your skin, your lips benefit from sun protection. You may also enjoy reading Eating Your Sunscreen, where I share additional ways to help support healthy skin during the summer months.
2. Salt Water and Pool Time
A day at the beach or pool can be refreshing, but it may not be doing your lips any favors.
Salt water can pull moisture from the skin, while chlorine can strip away natural oils that help keep lips soft and comfortable.
If you've ever noticed your lips feeling tight after swimming, you're not imagining it. Chlorine can affect more than just your lips, it can also leave your skin and hair feeling dry. If you're a frequent swimmer, check out our tips on how to reduce chlorine exposure before and after time in the pool.
After a long day in the sun, it's also important to care for the rest of your skin. Our guide on how to soothe skin after too much sun shares simple ways to help replenish moisture and keep your skin feeling comfortable after outdoor adventures.
3. Air Conditioning
Air conditioning feels wonderful on a hot day, but it can contribute to dryness.
Moving between hot outdoor temperatures and cool indoor air can cause moisture loss, especially in delicate areas like your lips.
Many people blame summer heat for dry lips when air-conditioned offices, cars, hotels, and homes are actually playing a significant role.
4. Dehydration
During the summer, your body loses more water through perspiration.
If you're not replacing that lost fluid, dehydration can show up in subtle ways—including dry lips.
Because the skin on your lips is so thin, they're often one of the first places to reveal that your body needs more hydration.
How to Keep Lips Comfortable All Summer Long
Fortunately, a few simple habits can help keep your lips feeling their best.
Stay Hydrated
Drink water consistently throughout the day, especially when spending time outdoors or exercising.
Reapply Lip Balm Regularly
Think of lip balm as preventative care rather than a rescue treatment. Applying balm before lips become dry can help support moisture retention.
Protect Lips During Outdoor Activities
Keep a lip balm in your purse, beach bag, backpack, or carry-on so it's always within reach.
Choose Ingredients Carefully
Not all lip balms are created equal. While many people love beeswax, it's not the best choice for everyone. If you've ever found that your lips seem to get drier or more irritated despite constantly applying lip balm, certain ingredients could be playing a role. Learn more in our article, The Surprising Ingredient That May Be Making Your Lips Worse.
Many conventional formulas rely on petroleum-based ingredients or beeswax. While these ingredients work well for some people, others may prefer plant-based alternatives.
At Kosmatology, our lip balms are:
Beeswax-free
Vegan
Made with nourishing plant-based ingredients
Scented with organic essential oils
Free from petroleum, parabens, and phthalates
They're designed to help keep lips soft and comfortable whether you're traveling, spending a day at the beach, or simply enjoying summer sunshine.
Net Weight 0.15 oz.
Plant-powered moisture in every swipe.
Healthy Lips All Summer Long
Chapped lips aren't just a winter problem.
Sun exposure, salt water, air conditioning, and dehydration can all contribute to dry lips during the warmer months. In fact, many of the activities we enjoy most during the summer; beach vacations, pool days, outdoor sports, and travel can leave lips feeling dry, tight, and uncomfortable.
The good news? A little awareness and a good lip balm can go a long way.
Keeping your lips moisturized throughout the day can help support their natural moisture barrier and prevent dryness before it starts. Whether you're heading to the beach, packing for a vacation, or simply spending more time outdoors, having a lip balm within reach is an easy way to keep your lips feeling soft and comfortable.
Whether you prefer the bright citrus scents of Goody-Goody Grapefruit®, Orange Sweetness, and Lemon Lovers, the refreshing mint of Minty Madness and Fresh, or the simplicity of our Free & Clear unscented option, our beeswax-free lip balms are designed to nourish and moisturize lips naturally.
This summer, don't forget to give your lips the same care and attention you give the rest of your skin. A little prevention goes a long way, especially when you're spending time outdoors. And if you're looking for more ways to care for dry, sensitive skin naturally, be sure to explore our skincare blog for additional pharmacist-created tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chapped Lips in Summer
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A: Many people assume cold weather is the main cause of dry lips, but summer can be just as challenging. Sun exposure, salt water, chlorine, air conditioning, and dehydration can all contribute to dry, peeling lips.
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A: Yes. Lips contain very little melanin, which means they have less natural protection from UV rays than other areas of your skin. Too much sun exposure can leave lips feeling dry, irritated, and uncomfortable.
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A: It can. Both salt water and chlorine can contribute to moisture loss. Spending time in the ocean or pool may leave lips feeling dry or tight, especially if you're swimming frequently throughout the summer.
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A: Yes. Dry lips are often one of the first signs that your body needs more hydration. Drinking enough water throughout the day can help support healthy, comfortable lips.
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A: Apply lip balm whenever your lips begin to feel dry and before activities that may contribute to moisture loss, such as swimming, spending time in the sun, or traveling.
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A: Look for nourishing ingredients that help support the skin's natural moisture barrier. Plant-based oils and waxes can help keep lips feeling soft and comfortable throughout the day.
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A: Our lip balms are made with candelilla wax instead of beeswax. We created them to be vegan and to provide an alternative for people who prefer to avoid beeswax-based products.
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A: Our Free & Clear Lip Balm is a great choice for those who prefer an unscented option. It's made without essential oils while still providing the same nourishing, plant-based hydration.
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A: Absolutely. Lips are exposed to environmental stressors throughout the year, including sun, wind, dry indoor air, and dehydration. Using lip balm regularly can help keep lips comfortable in every season.
About the Author
Janis Covey, PharmD
Compounding pharmacist and founder of Kosmatology, Janis formulates gentle skincare designed for sensitive skin and families. Her work focuses on ingredient transparency, skin barrier support, and simple routines that help skin stay comfortable and healthy. Learn more about her approach to skincare on the About Kosmatology page.