The lips are important. I mean, they’re a key part of our facial features, adding expression and playing a vital role in things like speaking and even eating. But there’s something interesting about the lips.
Unlike the rest of the skin, lips lack oil glands, making them prone to dryness and chapping. So, if you notice your lips getting dry, let’s say it’s not entirely your fault; nature also has a part to play. However, there are a few things you can do to change that.
I’m a big fan of lip care, and honestly, I think everyone should be too. So, if you want to step up your lip care game with some interesting TLC tips, you’ve definitely landed on the right article.
With the tips I’ll share here, you can easily achieve that smooth, supple pout you’ve always dreamed of. And the interesting part is, it doesn’t even require much.
So without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Hydration is Everything
Think of your lips like delicate little sponges. They always want to be hydrated, and the best way to provide this moisture is with a good lip balm.
Now, I’m not talking about those ones that dry out in an hour or two – these shouldn’t even be in your collection. Instead look for lip balms that are packed with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or beeswax.
These kinds of balm create a barrier that locks in moisture and protects your lips from the elements. Once you have it, apply the lip balm regularly throughout the day, especially after eating, drinking, or spending time outdoors. Also, try using a thicker balm at night in the colder months for extra protection.
Exfoliate the lips too
Like the rest of your skin, your lips need some exfoliation from time to time. This removes dead skin cells that can make them appear dry and flaky and leaves you with smooth and supple lips.
It’s quite easy to do this. Simply apply the exfoliating product to your lips—avoid getting it into your mouth, as products like this tend to carry some chemical ingredients.
Once you’ve applied the product to your lips, gently massage it in circular motions for a few seconds. You can use a soft toothbrush dampened with water or a lip scrub. But remember, the lips are super sensitive, so be gentle! After massaging, rinse with lukewarm water and follow up with a nourishing lip balm.
Make it a routine to Exfoliate 1-2 times a week as a routine. However, pay attention to your lips. If they feel irritated, avoid exfoliating until the inflammation is healed.
Lips also need sun protection
We all know sun protection is essential for the skin, but lips often get neglected. Yes, I know. There are probably a ton of reasons why that happens, one of which is that no one will possibly apply sunscreen on their lips. So yes, I get it.
However, while you’re so focused on your face and the rest of your skin, the sun’s harmful UV rays can also damage the lips, leading to dryness and wrinkles.
While you can’t apply sunscreen to your lips, you can ensure your lip balm has SPF protection, ideally SPF 30 or higher. Reapply this balm throughout the day, especially if you’re spending extended time outdoors.
Try Some Lifestyle Tweaks
Certain habits can wreak havoc on your lips. For instance, licking the lips constantly might seem like a way to moisten them, but in reality, it actually dries them out further. So try a lip balm instead!
Similarly, be mindful of picking or peeling at your lips, which can lead to irritation and infection. You also need to drink a lot of water.
When you’re hydrated, every part of your body benefits, including your lips. So while drinking plenty of water is crucial for overall health, it can also help to hydrate your lips from within. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your body and your lips hydrated.
With these simple tips and a little consistency, you can transform your lips from dry and chapped to soft and supple.
That said, let’s review some of the tips you should know when choosing a lip care product.
How to Choose a Lip Care Product
Walking through the lip care section and scouting for the perfect product can be overwhelming. There are a million and one lip balms, scrubs, and treatments all promising the perfect pout. But stay relaxed, because I have all the tips that you need here.
Choosing the right products comes down to understanding your lips’ needs and a little knowledge of the ingredients lurking within those cute tubes. So let’s get to it.
Know your Lips
Do your lips tend to get dry and chapped easily? Or are they more on the normal side? Maybe you experience sensitivity or have concerns about sun damage. Whichever it is, understanding your lip type is key to picking the best products.
It’s like skincare: You need to know your skin type before choosing a product. The same principle applies here.
If your lips are easily irritated, natural ingredients like beeswax, aloe vera, and calendula can significantly help. However, products with menthol, camphor, or alcohol can cause further dryness and irritation.
Hydration and Sun Protection Properties
If you have dry or chapped lips, prioritize balms packed with heavy-duty moisturizers. Look for ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or coconut oil, which lock in moisture and create a protective barrier. You can also use petroleum jelly, although some find it greasy.
In addition to looking for the balm’s hydrating properties, ensure that it contains sunscreen. As I mentioned earlier, sun protection is crucial for your lips. So look for a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher. For instance, Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are mineral-based sunscreens that are gentle on lips.
Also, choose a gentle lip scrub over harsh ones. You can opt for scrubs made with sugar crystals or jojoba beads, which are soft enough not to irritate your delicate lips.
Before you go, here’s a little bonus tip for you.
Tinted lip balms are a great way to add a hint of color while keeping your lips hydrated. But be sure that the tint comes from natural ingredients, not synthetic dyes, which can irritate.
Also, remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to lip care. You need to experiment with different products and find what works best for you.
Likewise, sometimes, lip problems can be a sign of underlying health issues. So if your lips are chronically dry, chapped, or cracked, please consult a dermatologist to rule out any medical conditions.
That said, be sure to keep your lips moisturized, protected, and gently exfoliated, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving a healthy, happy pout!
