Why do we get dry lips even in summer?
After a day in the sun, at the beach, or by the pool, it's common for your lips to feel tight, rough, or start peeling. However, dry lips are usually associated with the cold and winds of winter.
In reality, summer combines several factors that can weaken this particularly thin skin: sun rays, heat, wind, sea salt, pool chlorine, and even air conditioning.
Lips can therefore become dry even when it's hot, and sometimes more so during holidays or outdoor activities.
Why are lips so vulnerable? What habits worsen their dryness? And how can you exfoliate and protect them without irritation? Here's a simple routine to keep your lips soft and comfortable all summer long.
Why are lips more fragile than the rest of the skin?
Lips do not have the exact same protective mechanisms as facial skin. Their outer layer is thinner, and they contain very few sebaceous glands.
These glands normally produce sebum, an oily substance that helps slow down water loss and maintain skin suppleness. Since lips produce very little sebum, they rely more on surface care and environmental conditions.
They also contain fewer protective pigments than many other body areas. Their pinkish color comes partly from the fact that blood vessels are visible through particularly thin skin.
This delicate structure explains why lips can react quickly to sun, wind, heat, or dry air. They lose moisture more easily and can become uncomfortable in just a few hours.
To remember: heat does not protect lips from dryness. A hot day can, on the contrary, multiply opportunities for dehydration, especially when it includes sun, wind, and repeated swimming.
What are the main causes of dry lips in summer?
Summer dryness rarely results from a single element. It often appears after the accumulation of several minor aggressions during the same day.
The sun
Lips are directly exposed to the sun's rays, but they are often forgotten when thinking about sun protection. Prolonged exposure can weaken their surface, cause a sensation of heat, and increase dryness.
Salt water
After swimming in the sea, a thin layer of salt can remain on the lips. As it dries, it intensifies the sensation of tightness and can make lips rougher, especially with repeated swimming.
Chlorine
Chlorinated water can remove some of the oily substances present on the skin's surface. After several hours in the pool, lips may therefore appear drier, even if they have been regularly wetted.
Wind
Wind accelerates the evaporation of water from the surface of the lips. This phenomenon can occur on the beach, on a boat, cycling, or simply during a long day spent outdoors.
Air conditioning can also dry out lips
Lips are not only exposed to outdoor conditions. Homes, businesses, hotels, and cars are often heavily air-conditioned during the summer.
Air conditioning generally reduces ambient humidity. After several hours in a dry environment, lips may start to feel tight, even if the temperature is cool and comfortable.
Heat and perspiration
When it's hot, the body loses more water through perspiration. Insufficient hydration can contribute to a general feeling of dryness, although it is not always the sole cause of chapped lips.
Very cold, salty, or acidic drinks consumed during the summer can also leave residues around the mouth. On already sensitive lips, these repeated contacts can increase discomfort.
Products applied around the mouth
Some facial products, toothpastes, lipsticks, or highly perfumed treatments may not be suitable for everyone. A formula pleasant for normal skin can become uncomfortable on already dry lips.
When a product causes a persistent burning sensation, stinging, or discomfort, it is best to stop using it rather than applying it repeatedly.
Why do dry lips start to peel?
When lips lose some of their water and protective fats, their surface becomes less supple. The outer cells then detach irregularly and form small dry flakes.
It can be tempting to pick them off with your fingers or teeth. However, this action risks removing skin that wasn't yet ready to detach. This can create a sensitive area, a small crack, or discomfort that lasts for several days.
Peeling lips primarily need gentleness, protection, and time. When they are not cracked or painful, occasional exfoliation can help remove already detached cells without pulling on the skin.
Habits that worsen dry lips
When lips become dry, certain reflexes seem natural. However, many of them perpetuate the problem rather than solving it.
- Licking your lips. While it provides immediate relief, saliva evaporates quickly, leaving lips even drier than before.
- Picking off small flakes with your fingers. This habit can cause tiny cracks and make lips more sensitive.
- Exfoliating too often. Daily exfoliation risks unnecessarily irritating this very thin skin. Once or twice a week is usually sufficient.
- Forgetting about lips during outdoor activities. They are exposed to sun, wind, and salt as much as the rest of the face.
- Waiting until lips are very damaged before using a balm. A preventive routine is often much more effective than a treatment applied only when discomfort appears.
A good reflex: take care of your lips before they become uncomfortable. A few simple steps repeated regularly can often prevent dryness from setting in.
Why exfoliate lips?
Over time, small dead cells naturally accumulate on the surface of the lips. When they become more numerous, lips appear rough and balm can be more difficult to apply evenly.
Gentle exfoliation helps remove these already detached cells without pulling on the skin. Lips then regain a smoother, more pleasant-to-the-touch surface.
Contrary to popular belief, exfoliating does not mean rubbing vigorously. Lips are much thinner than facial skin and require a particularly delicate approach.
As a general rule, exfoliating once or twice a week is sufficient. If lips are cracked, painful, or show significant irritation, it is best to wait for them to recover before proceeding with a scrub.
The Sakura Honey and Lemon Exfoliant: gentle exfoliation
At ORÉRA, we have developed an exfoliant specifically designed to respect the delicacy of lips while removing the small dry flakes that naturally accumulate.
Its melting texture combines fine sugar crystals with carefully selected ingredients to offer a gentle and pleasant exfoliation.
Sugar
It gently removes already detached dead cells and helps restore a smoother surface, without harsh abrasives.
Honey
Traditionally appreciated in skincare, honey helps maintain a pleasant feeling of comfort during exfoliation.
Lemon
It provides a pleasant sensation of freshness and contributes to the invigorating character of the treatment.
How to use a lip exfoliant?
Take a small amount of exfoliant and gently massage your lips for about thirty seconds in circular motions. There's no need to apply strong pressure: the sugar does the work naturally.
Then rinse with lukewarm water or remove the excess with a soft washcloth before continuing with your lip balm.
The best time to exfoliate lips is often in the evening. After applying the balm, lips can enjoy the entire night to regain softness and comfort.
Why apply a balm after exfoliation?
Exfoliation prepares the lips, but it's only the first step. Once dead cells are removed, it's important to apply a treatment that will help protect the lips from external aggressions and preserve their comfort.
A good balm acts a bit like a protective coat. It deposits a thin layer that helps limit moisture loss while leaving lips more supple and pleasant to the touch.
That's why exfoliation and balm are complementary. One prepares the lips, the other helps maintain their softness daily.
The right time? After exfoliation, before a day in the sun, after swimming, or simply before bed, when lips can enjoy a long period of rest.
Our giant lip balm
At ORÉRA, we developed a generously sized 30g balm so it can easily be part of your daily routine. Its formula, rich in vegetable oils, butters, and waxes, leaves lips comfortable while helping to protect them from external aggressions.
Thanks to its large size, it accompanies both days at home and getaways to the cottage, holidays, or outdoor activities.
A simple two-step routine
Taking care of your lips only takes a few minutes a week. A simple routine is usually enough to keep lips soft all summer long.
Step 1
Gently exfoliate your lips once or twice a week to remove dead cells and restore a smoother surface.
Step 2
Then apply your balm to protect your lips and preserve their comfort for longer.
Daily
Reapply the balm as needed, especially after swimming, wind exposure, or before bed.
A few habits that make a real difference
The best results often come from the simplest actions. By incorporating a few habits into your summer routine, it becomes much easier to prevent lip dryness.
- Drink enough water throughout the day.
- Rinse your lips with fresh water after the pool or sea.
- Avoid picking off small flakes with your fingers.
- Always keep a balm handy.
- Remember to protect your lips during long sun exposures.
- Exfoliate only when lips are not irritated.
- Apply your balm before bed so it can work overnight.
Recommended ORÉRA products
To complete this routine, we recommend a gentle exfoliant used occasionally and a nourishing balm applied daily. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a gourmet butter cream fragrance or a cocoa butter formula.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my lips drier after a day at the beach?
The sun, wind, and salt can act simultaneously and promote lip dehydration.
Can swimming pool water dry out lips?
Yes. For some people, chlorinated water can increase the sensation of dryness, especially after multiple swims.
How often can you exfoliate your lips?
Once or twice a week is usually sufficient. Exfoliating too frequently risks unnecessarily sensitizing the lips.
Can I exfoliate very chapped lips?
It is best to wait until your lips are comfortable again before exfoliating.
Why are my lips peeling?
Flakes appear when the surface of the lips dries out and dead cells naturally begin to shed.
Why should you apply balm after exfoliation?
Balm helps protect the lips after dead cells are removed and helps maintain their suppleness.
What is the best time to apply balm?
After exfoliation, before sun exposure, after swimming, or before bed.
Can lips get sunburned?
Yes. They are particularly sensitive to UV rays and also deserve appropriate protection during long exposures.
Kristel Audet
Founder of ORÉRA • Maker of artisanal natural skincare in Quebec
The products presented in this article are cosmetic products intended for lip care. They do not replace medical advice or treatment. If your lips remain painful, have significant cracks, or persistent symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.
