This Habit Might Be Causing Your Chapped Lips

If you've suffered from chapped lips at all this season (and honestly who hasn't?), an unlikely culprit could be contributing to the struggle. Turns out, drinking coffee and tea can cause chapped lips. Excuse me while I sob.

Ultimately, chapped lips happen when your skin is too dry. While the windy winter cold and then dry, heated indoor air are external causes of chapped lips, coffee and tea can leach moisture from the inside. Livestrong explained, "Consuming large amounts of caffeine may also make you dehydrated. When you become dehydrated, your skin dries out, including the skin on your upper and lower lips." LoveToKnow added that this happens because "caffeine [is a] diuretic [and] an excess amount ... can result in dry skin because [it] causes individuals to urinate more often. This, in turn, results in a depletion of water." Nooo. I would've thought maybe the hot temperature of coffee and tea against my lips would dry them out and drinking them at a cooler temp would've helped, but sadly, my beloved caffeine is to blame!

If you're a caffeine addict like me wondering how to prevent chapped lips while still sipping something cozy, I've scouted out the best holiday herbal teas and decaf coffees to sip so you can give your lips a break.

1. CocoCaramel Sea Salt Herbal Tea

CocoCaramel Sea Salt Herbal Tea, $9, Teavana

Luscious, nutty, and 100 percent herbal, this tea gives you a dose of cozy without any caffeine.

2. Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride Tea

Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride, $3, Celestial Seasonings

I can't even help how obsessed I am with this herbal tea. Add a splash of almond milk creamer for the ultimate in deliciousness.

3. Mistletoe Mocha Flavored Decaf Coffee

Mistletoe Mocha Flavored Decaf Coffee, $18, Volcanica Coffee

If you're all about that minty chocolate life, reach for this decaf roast that tastes just like a peppermint mocha in your cup! Noms.

4. Gingerbread Spice Tea

Gingerbread Spice Tea, $3, Celestial Seasonings

Close your eyes and you'll swear your sipping on a gingerbread chai latte. Decaf bliss.

5. Starbucks Christmas Decaf Blend

Christmas Decaf Blend, $15, Starbucks

Even you die-hard Starbucks addicts don't have to sacrifice your coffee fix with this decaf Christmas blend.

Images: Chloë Rae; Courtesy of Brands