Healthy Lip Routine: Tip of the Day 5-24-22
Every season (cold and hot) comes with its share of lip challenges, but experts say a simple lip routine can help your lips live their best life year round.
Because your lips don’t have sebaceous glands that help produce oils, experts say it’s important to properly hydrate lips to keep them soft and moisturized. Fyi, licking your lips does not help. It actually dries them out more, according to dermatologists. Using a moisturizing product every day (lip balms with Shea butter, coconut or olive oil, vitamin E) is helpful. Hydrating with a lip mask at night helps restore health and hydration while you sleep.
Dermatologists say exfoliating lips 1-2 times a week is helpful only if your lips are dry and flaky. Healthy lips typically don’t require exfoliation. When you do exfoliate your lips, don‘t overdo it. Dermatologists say harsh exfoliation will make it harder for your lips to maintain their barrier function and hold in moisture. Gently exfoliating with a sugar scrub formulated for lips will usually do the trick.
It’s also important to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 anytime you’re in the sun. This can be either in your lip product or in addition to it.
Experts say ingredients, like camphor, cinnamon, eucalyptus oil, menthol, peppermint oil, and synthetic fragrance can cause more dryness to the lips, and may also cause an allergic reaction. Avoid applying these ingredients to your lips, especially if you have chapping or dryness.