What your lips reveal about your health

Why dry, cracked, or discolored lips are more than just a cosmetic issue

When I was younger, I struggled with dry, cracked lips—sometimes so bad that the corners would split open. I remember feeling embarrassed at school, always reaching for lip balm or hiding my mouth with my hand. Sometimes, the cracks would appear just in the corners of my mouth, making it so painful to laugh or eat.

Back then, I thought it was just the cold weather or maybe a bad habit. But now, as a doctor, I know: our lips are often the first place our body whispers that something deeper is going on.

Why your lips are a window into your health

Lips are unique. They don’t have oil glands, so they dry out much faster than the rest of your skin. Their thin, delicate tissue makes them extra sensitive to what’s happening inside your body. If you’re always reaching for lip balm or noticing changes in color or texture, your body might be trying to tell you something.

Common causes of dry, cracked, or discolored lips

• Nutrient deficiencies: Low levels of B vitamins (especially B2, B3, B12), iron, zinc, or omega-3 fatty acids can make lips dry, pale, or cracked.
• Gut health issues: Problems like low stomach acid, sluggish gallbladder, or gut inflammation can mean you’re not absorbing nutrients well—even with a healthy diet.
• Hormonal changes: Shifts in hormones, especially during perimenopause or high stress, can affect skin repair and moisture.
• Fungal (yeast) infections: Cracks at the corners of your mouth (angular cheilitis) can sometimes be caused by a mild fungal infection, but this often goes hand in hand with nutrient deficiencies or a disrupted gut microbiome.
• Environmental factors: Cold, dry weather, sun exposure, and even some cosmetics can trigger or worsen lip problems.
• Too much lip balm: Many balms contain mineral oils or fragrances that actually make lips drier over time.

My own story: from cracked corners to clarity

For years, I thought my cracked lips were just part of winter. We always ate healthy, but when I started eating an even more nutrient-dense diet, I noticed my lips healed faster. When I added fermented foods for my gut and paid attention to my stress, the difference was even bigger.
And when I saw patients with the same issues, I realized: lips are often the first clue.

What your lips might be telling you

• Dry or chapped lips: Often linked to low zinc or omega-3s. Try adding more nuts, seeds, seafood, or wild-caught salmon.
• Pale or gray lips: May signal low iron or B12. Animal products like eggs, seafood, and red meat are good sources.
• Cracks at the corners: Often a sign of B2 or B3 deficiency, or sometimes a mild yeast infection. Think green leafy veggies, eggs, dairy, and support your gut health.
• Dark or blue lips: Rarely, this can mean circulation issues—see your doctor if you notice this suddenly.

How your gut & hormones fit in

If your digestion isn’t optimal, you might not absorb nutrients even if you eat well. Low stomach acid, gut inflammation, or a sluggish gallbladder can all play a role. Hormonal changes—like those during perimenopause, chronic stress, or thyroid shifts—can also reduce your skin’s ability to repair itself, making lips more vulnerable.

Fungal infections or just a deficiency?

Cracks at the corners of your mouth can sometimes be caused by a mild fungal (yeast) infection, especially if your immune system or gut flora are out of balance. But very often, these cracks are also a sign of vitamin B2 or B3 deficiency, or low iron or zinc. It’s rarely just one thing—usually, it’s a combination of nutrition, immunity, and gut health.

Practical steps for softer, healthier lips

• Eat a variety of whole foods, focusing on healthy fats, colorful vegetables, and quality proteins.
• Support your gut health with fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, or sauerkraut.
• Stay hydrated, especially in dry or cold weather.
• Use a simple, fragrance-free balm if needed—or try a dab of coconut oil.
• If you struggle with persistent dry lips, consider checking your nutrient levels with your healthcare provider.
• If you have cracks in the corners that don’t heal, ask your doctor to check for yeast, but also look at your diet and gut health.

The bottom line

Your lips are a gentle messenger for your overall health. If they’re always dry, cracked, or changing color, it’s worth looking beyond the surface. Start with small changes in your diet and daily habits—and don’t ignore what your body is trying to tell you. Sometimes, the smallest signs are the first step to deeper healing.