Many people diligently care for their faces, but their lips are often an afterthought. The skin on our lips is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the body, partly because they do not contain sebaceous (oil) glands that moisturize the skin. Additionally, the lips are exposed to the elements constantly, cold or dry weather, sun exposure, affected by your internal hydration, smoking, and chronic licking. Due to these factors, lips often become chapped, dry, and cracked.
A good lip care routine can reduce dry, cracked lips keeping them hydrated regardless of the environmental and physical elements.
Lip exfoliation is the first step in caring for your lips. A gentle and effective lip scrub, preferably with antioxidants and natural granules, removes dead skin cells and smooths the lips. It is best to avoid scrubs or exfoliators that contain ground shells, nuts, pits, or hard microbeads, as they are harsh on the tender skin or the lips.
The proper technique for exfoliating your lips will make this step the most effective. Since the muscles of your lips surround your mouth in a circular pattern, apply your exfoliator in a circular motion going outward from the midpoint of your lip. Alternatively, you can use a back-and-forth motion, but following the muscle pattern is most effective. When exfoliating, you want to use cold or slightly warm water. Hot water causes increased circulation to the lips, which can cause swelling after exfoliation. Depending on the dryness of your lips, exfoliation is recommended 1-2 times per week.
Lip hydration is essential daily; you can hydrate several times a day and always before bed. Hydration products should contain nourishing ingredients such as antioxidants, healthy oils, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, petroleum, and beeswax. It is best to avoid irritating ingredients, such as menthol, peppermint, camphor, and cinnamon because they can cause irritation and drying. Our aestheticians recommend various medical-grade lip hydration products depending on the condition of your lips and include this during a skin evaluation.
Finally, sunscreen is vital to lip care. SPF protection will maintain your lip health. UV rays are very damaging to the thin, sensitive skin of the lips. You want to use a mineral sunscreen product specifically for the lips daily, regardless of the weather.
Dermal fillers for lip enhancement also provide hydration to the lips, our CANS Nurse Injectors can discuss the benefits of lip fillers during a consultation.
Along with an effective lip care routine, stopping smoking, not licking the lips, and staying hydrated will help keep your lips soft and supple. Our aestheticians are happy to help you determine what lip care products are best for you.
– Lisa Florence, Licensed Aesthetician