As temperatures drop, so does the moisture in our skin, leading to the all-too-common issue of chapped lips! Right now, it’s not just our skin that’s battling dryness, it’s our lips that are facing the brunt of it. A combination of dead skin cells and lack of hydration can lead to painful cracking and lesions.
Four skincare mavens have spilled their secrets to American media outlet SheFinds, sharing the strategies to conquer those pesky chapped lips.
4 Steps to Hydrated Lips
Your lips deserve a tailored routine to stay supple and shielded. Here are four steps to incorporate into your daily beauty rituals for kissably soft lips.
Exfoliation
Getting rid of dead skin is crucial, and exfoliation is key to removing those pesky dead cells effectively. Dr. Angela Casey says, “Regularly exfoliating your lips can help shed dead skin cells and make your lips look younger.” She recommends using “a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to gently exfoliate your lips.”
Professional makeup artist and beauty expert, Mandie Brice, points out that to “keep your lips hydrated,” a natural lip balm and exfoliation can make them “look plumper and more youthful.”
A Lip Balm Rich in Vitamins and SPF
The choice of lip balm is critical in dealing with chapped lips. Dr. Casey advises looking for balms that are formulated with “vitamin C, vitamin E, quercetin, petroleum jelly, zinc oxide, octinoxate, and glycerin.” Opting for treatments with “well-established antioxidants” is vital as they “combat the free radicals that can damage the skin.”
She emphasizes that sunscreen is not optional but essential, no matter the season. “SPF provides an extra layer of protection and prevents the inflammation and damage caused by UV rays,” she justifies.
Drink Plenty of Water
Hydration can significantly impact skin dryness, especially around the delicate mouth area. The skin here has a “very thin outer layer” where “irritations, inflammations, and dryness” can easily occur. Plus, “lips have a rich blood supply, which gives the red color to the lips, but also makes them more prone to dehydration.”
Gloss Over Matte Lipstick
When it comes to special occasions, Margina Dennis recommends hydrating gloss lipsticks. It not only adds color, but also keeps lips moist, preventing chapped lips. Gloss over matte lipstick not only creates a stunning look but also keeps chapped lips at bay while you shine on your night out.
