Collagen Powder Can Help Ease Dry, Cracked Lips — Here's How

Cracked, dry lips are not only annoying but can be downright painful. Sometimes it feels like you're reapplying coat after coat of balm, only to be frustrated again in no time. And chapped lips can come from multiple factors: dry skin in general, dehydration, burns, and (yes) even from chafing from your mask.

As we noted, chapped lips can come as the result of a few things. Some are temporary, like a sunburn after a long day outdoors. Others are more systemic, like dehydration or dry skin. Finally, there's a more current reason you're likely getting them, as masks can cause irritation and chafing of the skin (not to mention you're likely applying less balm regularly if you're covering up your face, too). "Any areas that are tight or rubbing can irritate the skin," board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., previously told mbg about skin irritation and mask.

And ultimately, balms can only do so much (and depending on their formula, some make things worse). If your cracked lips happen frequently, then it's time to look for more sustainable answers, like a hydrolyzed collagen supplement made with additional moisture-enhancing finds. First, collagen supplements, when taken internally, have been shown to maintain dermal thickness and support elasticity and natural moisture levels1.* Not only that, but many claim taking a collagen supplement can even promote plump lips.*