Chapped lips and cracked heels: Dry, flaky lips and rough, cracked heels might seem minor, but they can be painful, embarrassing, and stubborn. If you’re constantly reapplying lip balm or slathering on foot cream with little relief, you’re not alone.
Chapped lips and cracked heels are especially common in winter, dry climates, or when you’re dehydrated. The good news: with the right routine and a few dermatologist-approved habits, you can heal them naturally and keep them soft year-round.
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Why do lips and heels dry out so easily?
Both lips and heels lack oil glands. Unlike the rest of your skin, they can’t produce much natural moisture. Add dry air, heat, friction (tight shoes, lots of walking), or low hydration, and they lose water quickly, leading to flakes, splits, and soreness.
- Common Causes of Chapped Lips
- Cold or dry weather
- Licking your lips often (which actually makes them drier!)
- Dehydration
- Allergic reactions (to toothpaste, lipstick, or balm)
- Vitamin B deficiency
Common Causes of Cracked Heels:
- Standing for long hours
- Walking barefoot or in open footwear
- Hot showers or harsh soaps
- Lack of moisturisation
- Medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid imbalance
Dermat-approved fixes for chapped lips
Stop licking or picking your lips:
It’s tempting to lick your lips when they feel dry, but it makes things really worse. The saliva evaporates fast and leaves the lips drier, while picking worsens cracks and delays healing.
Choose the right lip balm:
Look for balms with healing and sealing ingredients like:
- Petrolatum (Vaseline) to lock in moisture
- Beeswax or shea butter to soften and protect
- Glycerin or hyaluronic acid to draw in water
- Calming add-ons like vitamin E or aloe vera to repair
Gently exfoliate once a week:
Dry flakes can stop moisture from absorbing properly. You can use a gentle scrub to remove dead skin, but be careful not to overdo it.
DIY Lip Scrub Recipe: Mix 1 teaspoon sugar with 1 teaspoon honey or coconut oil, massage in tiny circles for about 30 seconds, rinse, then immediately apply your balm to trap in hydration.
Dermat-approved fixes for cracked heels
Soak and exfoliate
Before you apply anything, soften the hard skin
- Take warm (not hot) water in a tub
- Add a spoon of salt and a few drops of mild soap or coconut oil
- Soak your feet for 10–15 minutes
- Use a pumice stone or foot file to gently remove dead skin
Moisturise immediately (within 3 minutes)
Look for creams with
- Urea or lactic acid – softens thick, dry skin
- Shea butter or petroleum jelly – seals moisture
- Glycerin – draws in water
- Aloe vera or coconut oil – soothes and nourishes
What not to do?
For Lips:
- Licking or biting your lips
- Using minty or flavoured balms
- Ignoring sun protection, UV rays can also dry lips
- Using long-lasting matte lipsticks daily
For Heels:
- Walking barefoot on hard floors
- Standing for long periods without rest
- Using harsh pumice stones or razors to remove dead skin
- Ignoring cracked skin (it can lead to infections)
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Chapped lips and cracked heels may seem minor, but they’re your body’s reminder to dial up care and hydration. A few gentle habits like drinking enough water, using the right balms and creams, and protecting skin from dryness and friction, can transform how your lips and heels feel. Healing isn’t instant, so be patient and consistent. With steady care, softness returns.