According to Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, your best bet is to combine your balm with an exfoliant and a mask. When your lips are chapped, the flaking you see is actually a build-up of dry skin cells. Using an exfoliant will help slough away those dead cells, which makes it easier for the balm you apply afterwards to fully penetrate your skin barrier and deliver its hydrating benefits. And a mask—meant to be slathered on before bed—will help lock in moisture and prevent it from evaporating out into the environment.
Below, she shares the three-product combo that you need to create the ultimate hydrating lip routine. Layer ’em on and say goodbye to pesky chapping for good.
1. Three Ships Piña Colada Lip Exfoliator
This gentle scrub will slough off dead skin cells to leave lips feeling smooth. “Sugar gently exfoliates while shea butter and avocado oil support the skin barrier and lock in the moisture,” says Dr. King. Plus, its pineapple and coconut fragrance will make you feel like you’re sipping cocktails on a beach instead of trekking through the city in the snow.
Shop now: Three Ships Piña Colada Lip Exfoliator
2. Henne Luxury V2 Lip Balm
There are certain key ingredients that dermatologists suggest looking for in a lip balm, and this one has them all. “It seals in moisture with a number of ingredients that have emollient and occlusive properties, including avocado oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil, cocoa seed butter, coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax,” says Dr. King, calling it a “very moisturizing combination.”
Shop now: Henne Luxury V2 Lip Balm
3. Artifact Skin Co Honey Marshmallow Lip Masque
Looking for a lip product that does it all? This one’s got you covered. “Sugar gently exfoliates while honey and glycerin hydrate, vitamin E, and avocado oil support the skin barrier, and coconut oil and shea butter lock in the moisture,” says Dr. King. Apply it as the last step of your lip-care routine before you go to sleep, and when you wake up, dry, chapped lips will officially be yesterday’s problem.
Shop now: Artifact Skin Co Honey Marshmallow Lip Masque
If you’re dealing with dry skin on the rest of your complexion, too, check out the video below for a derm’s tips on how to deal.
Want even more beauty intel from our editors? Join Well+Good’s Fine Print Facebook group (and follow us on Instagram) for must-know tips and tricks.
Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.