As the temperature drops, beauty professionals are warning that many people will soon experience tight, flaking, or peeling lips — and even that strange white layer that sometimes appears inside the mouth.
According to Danielle Louise, a beauty expert listed on Fresha, the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform, most winter lip issues aren’t just caused by the cold — they’re made worse by our daily habits.
“Your lips don’t have oil glands, which means they can’t hydrate themselves. That’s why so many people get sore, cracked or flaky lips during winter — and why that white film or ‘layer of skin’ appears inside the mouth,” Danielle explains. “It’s often dead skin caused by dehydration, saliva irritation, or overuse of thick balms that sit on top instead of hydrating underneath.”
What Causes the White or Peeling Layer
That soft, white film inside the lips is more common than people realise. Danielle says it usually appears when:
- You’re constantly licking or rubbing your lips, irritating the inner skin.
- You’re using heavy or waxy balms that block moisture instead of helping it absorb.
- You’ve over-exfoliated or applied multiple lip products without letting them sink in.
“It’s not harmful, but it’s a red flag that your lips are stripped of natural oils,” she adds. “Treat it early before it leads to painful cracks or inflammation.”
What to Do Instead
- Hydrate from the inside out. Sip water throughout the day and use a hydrating serum or oil before your balm.
- Layer products properly. Serum first to nourish, then a balm to lock it in.
- Use SPF. UV rays can still cause dryness and pigmentation even in winter.
- Sleep with a treatment mask. Overnight formulas with ceramides or squalane help repair the barrier while you rest.
What to Avoid
Danielle Louise, a beauty expert listed on Fresha says the biggest winter mistakes are often the simplest:
- Licking your lips. It momentarily feels soothing but actually dries them out faster.
- Overusing lip balm. Constant re-application prevents your lips from naturally retaining moisture.
- Matte or long-wear lipsticks. These formulas can be too drying — especially without a serum base.
- Exfoliating too often. Gentle once-a-week exfoliation is enough; too much can worsen peeling.
- Using menthol or camphor balms. They can irritate already chapped lips and make dryness worse.
“If your lips sting when you apply balm, that’s your sign to stop and switch to something gentler,” Danielle advises. “Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and jojoba oil will do far more to heal and protect.”
The Takeaway
“Lip care should be part of your daily skincare routine,” Danielle concludes. “Treat your lips like you would the skin on your face — hydrate, protect, and avoid anything harsh. Within a few days, you’ll notice the difference.”