Nearly everyone has experienced dry, cracked, or tight-feeling lips. 

In fact, "the lips are particularly prone to dryness as opposed to skin on other parts of the body," says Dr. Brian Toy, a dermatologist at Providence Mission Hospital and a clinical professor in the School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.

This is because the skin on your lips:

Anyone can experience dry lips, but certain environmental factors, behaviours, and vitamin deficiencies can make you more prone to dry lips, says Dr. Nkem Ugonabo, a dermatologist with Unionderm.

Here's what might be contributing to your dry lips, and how to get rid of dry, cracked, and uncomfortable lips for good. 

Since the skin on your lips is thinner than the skin in other areas of your body, it can show the signs of dehydration first. So if you're experiencing dryness and cracking, a good first step is to make sure you're drinking enough water.

Quick tip: While it may be tempting to lick your lips to rehydrate them, it could actually make the dryness worse.  When the saliva dries, it causes the moisture in your lips to evaporate, leaving them even drier, Ugonabo says. 

What to do about it: Make sure you're drinking enough water: Men should aim for 125 ounces (3.7 litres) of fluid each day, and women should aim for 91 fluid ounces (2.7 litres). While water is an important part of that, you can also count fluids like coffee and tea, plus the fluid found in foods like fruits and vegetables. 

If you notice that your lips are dry or painful after a day in the sun, it could be a sunburn. Your lips are even more likely to burn than other parts of your body because the skin on your lips has no melanin, a pigment that protects skin from damaging UV rays.

If you have sunburned lips, you'll notice symptoms including:

Note:  Blisters, pain, and swelling on your lips can indicate a more severe second degree burn. If you notice those symptoms, call your doctor. 

What to do about it: Use a lip balm with at least SPF 15. "A lip balm will protect the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss, keeping the lips supple," Toy says. 

If you don't have a lip balm with SPF handy that's ok — you can apply regular sunscreen directly to your lips. 

Reapply lip balm or sunscreen every two hours, since it can come off when you're eating or drinking. 

Quick tip: When you're choosing a lip balm for going outdoors, it's important to select one with SPF. Or else, applying product to your lips can actually increase your risk for sunburn. "It's like rubbing baby oil on the skin before tanning," Toy says. 

Because lips are exposed to the elements, wind and weather can take a toll on them. Wind can weaken and dry out the outermost layer of skin and remove the moisture from the skin, making them more prone to drying. This leads to a condition known as windburn, which is especially common on the lips.

So if you're boating, skiing or doing other outdoor activities that leave you exposed to the elements, you'll need to prioritise lip health. 

What to do about it: While you're out in the sun, use a lip balm with SPF. After your activities are done and you're inside, use a lip balm with Vaseline or Aquaphor to restore moisture. These thicker balms protect the skin, but they can leave you prone to sunburn, so don't use them while you're out in the sun. 

Dry lips are common because skin on the lips is thin and exposed to stressors including sun and wind. However, "the lips generally heal very quickly due to an abundant blood supply," Toy says.

So, if you have persistently dry lips you should talk to a doctor. They'll help rule out any underlying conditions and help you manage your dry lips.