For severely chapped lips, steer clear of lip balms with hard, waxy textures, which don't perform well on open cracks. These formulas can't get into the nooks and crevices to properly coat the lip's surface. While waxes can prevent moisture loss, they don't hydrate the skin. Instead, opt for something creamier and moisturizing, like First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy $12, which contains colloidal oatmeal and shea butter.

For a comprehensive breakdown on lip balm ingredients and textures, check out this awesome lip balm guide.

For chapped lips that are especially raw or painful, steer clear of lip treatments that contain fragrances, as they can irritate the sensitive skin of the lips," says Sadick. For a fragrance-free lip treatment, give Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 $7, a try.

"When trying to cure your chapped lips, it's important not to lick your lips," insists Prystowsky. Though it feels like you're adding moisture to them, licking your lips will actually dry them out as the water evaporates," she explains.

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You may even want to protect your lips from your face wash. Soaps and detergents can dry out and irritate lips, leading to chapping, especially if you're using a cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin. Dr. Sadick's advice: Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or a barrier-forming lip balm before any cleansing routine. Try Lano Lips 101 Ointment, $13.50.

For chapped lips, you may be all about lip balms, but it's important to think of all aspects of hydration. Lips lose moisture while you sleep, especially if you're a mouth-breather or live in an overly heated home. Use a cool-mist humidifier at night (and during the day if possible) to keep lips moisturized. (It'll help with dry skin and coughs, too.)