Keep your lips healthy and beautiful with a simple routine! Maintaining healthy lips involves hydration, exfoliation, and protection.
Hydration is Key
The foundation of lip care is keeping them moisturized. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to hydrate from within. Apply a non-irritating lip balm frequently, especially before bed and after washing your face. A thick ointment can be beneficial for severely dry or cracked lips (American Academy of Dermatology). Reapply throughout the day, as needed. [7, 8, 10, 11]
Gentle Exfoliation
Gently exfoliate your lips once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells. Use a soft lip scrub, a damp toothbrush, or a washcloth in circular motions for about two minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. Be gentle; over-exfoliation can irritate your lips. [1, 9, 10]
Sun Protection
Protect your lips from the sun's harmful UV rays by using a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher. This is particularly important during prolonged sun exposure. [2]
Nighttime Care
Before bed, gently dampen your fingertips and pat them on your lips. Follow with a layer of Vaseline or a rich lip balm. This creates a moisturizing barrier overnight. [3]
Avoiding Irritants
Avoid licking your lips, as saliva dries them out. Also, steer clear of lip products containing irritating ingredients. [11]
Choosing the Right Products
Select lip balms and treatments formulated with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or natural oils. Consider serums and scrubs to enhance your routine. [4, 10]