Your skin changes with the seasons, so why doesn’t your lip care?
From summer heat to winter windburn, your lips are constantly exposed to the elements.
And unlike the rest of your skin, they’re especially vulnerable: no oil glands, minimal melanin, and a thinner barrier layer. That means one lip balm probably isn’t enough to cover all your needs year-round.
Let’s break down what’s happening to your lips each season and how to adjust your lip routine accordingly.
Spring: Allergies, Wind & Unpredictable Weather
What’s going on:
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- Pollen + congestion = lots of lip licking + mouth breathing
- Dry, windy air can cause chapping before you even realise it
- Fluctuating humidity and temp swings
What your lips need:
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- A balm that cushions and protects
- Soothing ingredients like vitamin E or macadamia butter
- A medium-weight formula to deal with both dry spells and moisture in the air
Summer: Sun, Salt, Heat & SPF Confusion
What’s going on:
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- UV rays hit lips hard and they can actually burn
- Dehydration from heat, sweat, travel
- SPF products on the face, but often forgotten on lips
- Salty air and water (beach, pool) = dry, flaky lips
What your lips need:
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- Lightweight balm that won’t melt in your bag
- Something that layers well under SPF or lipstick
- A formula that absorbs fast without feeling sticky or shiny
Autumn: The Dry Creep Begins
What’s going on:
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- Humidity drops slowly, and heaters start creeping in
- Windy weather sneaks up and starts stealing moisture
- You may not notice your lips drying out until they’re already cracked
What your lips need:
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- A more nourishing formula than summer (think buttery but breathable)
- Protective, antioxidant-rich ingredients
- Something that acts as both treatment + prevention
Winter: Peak Damage Season
What’s going on:
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- Cold air, indoor heating, windchill = moisture loss on all fronts
- Lips crack, peel, burn
- Lip licking increases due to dryness makes it worse
- Thick glosses or underperforming balms just sit on top and do nothing
What your lips need:
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- Thick, balm-cream textures with restorative ingredients
- Occlusives to lock in moisture overnight
- Deep repair, not just surface shine
Final Thought: One Balm Won’t Cut It Year-Round
Just like your wardrobe changes with the seasons, so should your lip balm.
Not because it’s trendy, but because your lips genuinely need different types of care depending on what the environment is throwing at them.