Chapped lips are the one winter problem we all treat with the habit that makes it worse: the quick lick, the minty balm that tingles, the “I'll reapply later.” The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has a short list of what actually helps, and a few of our favorite lip habits land on the wrong side of it.

This guide leans on one source, the AAD's public guidance on healing dry, chapped lips. It is general information, not medical advice, and we have tried to say only what that page says.

01Myth: if it tingles, it works

Cooling, buzzing and tingling feel like a product doing something. The AAD reads it the other way. If a lip product burns, stings or tingles, it is irritating your lips, and the advice is to stop using it. Lips cannot settle down while something keeps poking them.

“A tingle is a warning, not a feature.”

02Myth: a quick lick helps

Saliva evaporates and leaves lips drier than before. The AAD adds that biting and picking keep lips from healing. Its fix for the habit is almost too easy: put balm on instead.

03Myth: SPF is a summer thing

The AAD recommends a non irritating lip balm with SPF 30 or higher before you head outdoors, even in winter. It should contain titanium oxide or zinc oxide, and you reapply it every 2 hours while you are outside. The reason given is that sun can burn chapped lips more easily.

04Myth: any balm will do

For very dry, cracked lips, the AAD points to a thick ointment such as white petroleum jelly, because ointment seals in water longer than waxes or oils do. For everyday upkeep it suggests a non irritating balm several times a day and again before bed.

05Myth: flavored balms are harmless

Peppermint, cinnamon and citrus smell like a treat, but they sit on the AAD's avoid list. It asks for products that are fragrance free and hypoallergenic. Here is the cheat sheet for reading a label.

06Myth: it should be fixed overnight

The AAD says noticeable improvement typically takes 2 to 3 weeks, and that you should keep applying balm indoors and outdoors so the chapping does not return. Drink plenty of water, and if you breathe through your mouth at night, a humidifier in the bedroom helps.

If your lips have not healed after 2 to 3 weeks of self care, the AAD says to see a board certified dermatologist. Dry weather is not the only cause. Allergic reactions, yeast infections and more serious conditions can look similar, and the AAD notes that only a board certified dermatologist can diagnose the cause.

07What is on our shelf

No balm can promise a result, so we are describing listings, not miracles. These four are in stock right now. Each listing shows only key ingredients, so check the full ingredient list against the avoid list above before you buy.

• Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. A leave on lip mask. The listing says a generous layer at bedtime helps reduce flakiness, which suits the AAD's before bed step.
• Torriden SOLID IN Ceramide Lip Essence. The listing names a ceramide complex and jojoba oil. The AAD lists ceramides among ingredients to look for.
• Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Lip Balm. A rich 20g balm with a hyaluronic acid complex, per the listing.
• UIQ Biome Barrier Melting Moisture Lip Balm. The listing says it has over 58% plant derived oils and melts on lips at body temperature.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology, Heal dry, chapped lips.