As soon as the temperature drops, the same signs come back: lips that feel tight, small flakes at the corners of the mouth, hands that look rough after a few days of cold and frequent washing. In Quebec and across Canada, the combination of cold wind outdoors and dry, heated air indoors puts these areas to the test all winter long.
The good news: with a few simple habits and the right textures, lips and hands can stay soft and comfortable throughout the season.
The short answer: lips and hands dry out quickly in winter because they are constantly exposed to cold, wind, dry indoor air and, for the hands, frequent washing. To keep them comfortable, apply a nourishing balm to your lips several times a day, moisturize your hands after each wash, protect them from the cold with gloves and a scarf, and avoid licking your lips or picking at dry skin.
Why Do Lips and Hands Dry Out So Quickly in Winter?
Lips: a particularly delicate area
The skin on the lips is thinner than the rest of the face and contains no sebaceous glands, so it can't produce its own protective film of oil. It relies entirely on outside care to stay supple. When cold air, wind and dry heating combine, lips lose moisture quickly and start to feel tight, then to flake.
Hands: exposed all day long
Hands face the elements more than any other part of the body. Cold air, wind, hot water, soap and hand sanitizer can all weaken the skin's protective barrier. Repeated over the day, these small aggressions leave hands feeling dry, rough and sometimes chapped, especially around the knuckles and fingertips.
The indoor factor
We often blame the cold, but the dry air of heated homes and offices also plays a role. To learn more, read our article Why Is Hydration Essential for Your Winter Skincare Routine to Prevent Dry Skin ?
Habits That Make a Real Difference
1. Moisturize your hands after every wash
Wash with lukewarm rather than hot water, pat your hands dry gently, then apply a small amount of hand cream right away. Keeping a tube near the sink, in your bag and at your desk makes this easier to do throughout the day.
2. Apply a balm to your lips several times a day
Apply it in the morning, before going outside, after meals and before bed. At night, a slightly thicker layer helps your lips wake up more comfortable.
3. Protect them from the cold
Gloves and a scarf over your mouth are your best allies on very cold or windy days. For household chores, wear gloves to limit contact with water and cleaning products.
4. Avoid habits that dry them out
Licking your lips gives a brief feeling of relief, but the saliva evaporates and leaves them even drier. Likewise, avoid biting or pulling off small flakes: let the balm soften them instead.
5. Don't forget the rest of your routine
Your face and body face the same winter conditions. For the body, see our article Dry Body Skin in Fall: How to Exfoliate and Nourish Your Skin Before Winter
Our Products for Comfortable Lips and Hands
Face & Lip Balm
For lips and dry areas of the face. With a blend of tropical butters and hemp oil, this natural balm moisturizes, nourishes and helps protect the lips and delicate areas of the face from dryness caused by external aggressors. It soothes dry lips and skin, with a natural plumping effect. Apply as often as needed.
Hand Cream
For dry hands. The Aqua Laure Hand Cream has a rich, creamy texture that intensely moisturizes and nourishes dry hands and helps protect them from dehydration. Free from parabens and mineral oils. Massage a small amount into clean hands, paying attention to the nail area to soften cuticles.
Enhancing Eye & Lip Cream
For the lip contour. Its velvety texture intensely moisturizes and plumps the skin while smoothing the appearance of fine lines around the eyes and lips. A good complement to your balm if the skin around your mouth also feels dry in winter.
Discover all our eye and lip care and the Aqua Laure moisturizing body care collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I apply lip balm in winter?
As often as needed: in the morning, before going outside, after eating or drinking and at bedtime. If your lips still feel tight, apply a little more.
Can I use my face cream on my hands?
You can in a pinch, but a hand cream is designed for the realities of hands, which are washed often and exposed all day. Its richer texture is better suited to their needs in winter.
Should I exfoliate chapped lips?
When lips are very chapped, it's better to focus on nourishing them. Let the balm soften the dry skin rather than rubbing or pulling it off.
When should I talk to a health professional?
If your lips or hands crack, bleed, become painful or don't improve despite regular care, talk to a pharmacist or a doctor.
The Bottom Line
Chapped lips and dry hands are common in winter, but they're not inevitable. Moisturize after each wash, apply your balm regularly, cover up when it's cold and avoid habits that dry the skin. These simple gestures, repeated every day, keep lips and hands soft and comfortable until spring.
Want a winter routine adapted to your skin?
A France Laure partner esthetician can assess your skin and recommend the right care for your face, lips and hands during the cold season.
