Your lips say more about your health than you might realize. The outer lip, known as the vermilion border, holds a treasure trove of information about the health of your circulatory system and your skin in general. If your lips are pale or chapped, it could be a sign that you have an iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency or are deficient in zinc, which can all lead to problems like anemia. Similarly, if your lips are dry and flaky, it could be a sign that you're dehydrated and not getting enough water or that you have eczema or dermatitis.