Lips need a particular care routine since they don’t have the oil glands that keep skin soft and moisturized. A few simple steps can help you achieve smooth and healthy lips.

Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, which can worsen dry, flaky lips. Alternatively, apply a lip product that contains rosehip oil, avocado oil, or vitamin E to help repair dryness and promote hydration. Read on Beepothecary for more information.

The skin on your lips is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, so it requires special care. They also have no oil glands and cannot generate their own hydration, so it’s important to moisturize them often with products that are specifically formulated for the lip area.

Your ideal lip care routine should include a cleanser, exfoliator, moisturizer and protective product. While moisturizing may seem like the most obvious step in a lip care routine, it’s important to exfoliate first. This step removes dead skin cells, which allows applied lip products to absorb more effectively. It’s also crucial to avoid products that contain harsh ingredients that can irritate your sensitive lips. Look for hydrating ingredients such as natural butters, rich oils (like castor or coconut), and soothing herbs.

To help protect your lips, use a moisturizer that also contains SPF. You’ll want to reapply your SPF every two hours if you are going to be outside, and make sure to use a broad spectrum sunscreen.

In addition to using a moisturizing lip product, you should also drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will keep your lips hydrated from the inside out, and it’s also essential for the health of your entire body.

There are a number of different types of lip products on the market, from tinted lip balms that add a hint of color to long-wearing lipsticks. The type of product you choose will depend on your needs, and it’s important to adjust your lip care routine seasonally.

In winter, you’ll likely need a heavier lip balm that provides extra protection from cold weather and dry air. You should also apply your lip products more frequently during the day to ensure they don’t wear off. If you have a condition such as chapped lips, try using a hydrating treatment with plant-based conditioning ingredients and amino acids to promote the healing process. This will help restore moisture, smooth fine lines and plump your lips, giving you a healthy, youthful glow. The best hydrating lip products will have a blend of humectants, emollients and occlusives, such as shea butter to soften your lips, hyaluronic acid to draw in hydration, moringa seed oil for elasticity, and antioxidant-rich oils and vegan waxes for protection.

Exfoliate

As any lipstick-wearer can attest, scaly, flaky lips are less than flattering. The skin on the lips is thinner than other parts of the body, and they lack the sebaceous oil glands that help other areas of the face keep hydrated. The combination of these factors makes the lips prone to dryness and chapping, especially in cold, hot, or windy weather. Thankfully, there are ways to help prevent these issues and make your pout look smooth and healthy. One way to do this is by exfoliating your lips.

The most common cause of dry lips is dead skin buildup, which can make it difficult for lip balms to reach the newer, softened skin underneath. As such, regular lip scrubs are an important part of any good skincare routine. They can remove excess dead skin, stimulate blood flow, and help to smooth and even out the appearance of your lips.

There are a few different methods for exfoliating the lips, but the best is to use a physical or chemical exfoliant in conjunction with an emollient. This will provide a gentler approach to removing dead skin cells and prevent the lips from becoming too dry afterward.

A chemical exfoliant will usually contain acids such as alpha hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid, or poly-hydroxy acids that dissolve the surface layers of dead skin. A physical exfoliant will typically use a fine-grain scrub or a soft toothbrush to physically slough away the outer layer of skin.

For those with sensitive lips, it may be beneficial to stick with a chemical or physical exfoliant that is free of harsh ingredients. These can include dyes, artificial flavors, fragrances, and other potential irritants that can be irritating to the skin.

This mess-free formula from luxe beauty brand ILIA combines sugar crystals and lemon oil to gently scrub away dry, flaky lips without scratching or irritating them. It also contains shea butter and jojoba oil to hydrate, and lanolin, an occlusive ingredient, to seal in moisture. To use, simply dampen a cotton swab and dip it into the scrub so that it is coated with a small amount. Apply in small circles to the lips, and then rinse with warm water.

Treat Infections

A scab on the lips is a sign that your body is trying to protect an area of skin that’s damaged. If the scab doesn’t fall off in a couple of weeks, you should see a doctor or health care professional to make sure it doesn’t turn into an infection. Staph infections are common in the mouth, as the bacteria can enter the skin through a cut or wound. The infection can cause pain, swelling, and redness. It can also travel to other parts of the body, such as the bladder and joints, and can cause symptoms like painful urination and shortness of breath.

A yeast infection, also known as oral thrush, is caused by the same fungus that causes a rash on the cheeks. The infection can be identified by creamy white patches in the mouth and throat. It may also cause a burning sensation and pain in the throat and tongue. People with a weak immune system, people who wear dentures, and those taking certain antibiotics may be at higher risk of developing an oral yeast infection.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause cold sores on the lips and around the mouth. Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters and can be very itchy. They are contagious, but usually clear up on their own within a week or two.

Infections of the lip can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungus. Infections can be prevented by avoiding direct contact with others who have cold or flu-like symptoms. You should also wash your hands regularly to prevent getting them infected. A well-balanced diet that includes plenty of vitamins and minerals can help keep your lips healthy.

Try applying a baking soda paste to your lips. Baking soda contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and it can reduce swelling and pain. Another option is a salt water rinse. Mix a tablespoon of salt with lukewarm water, and use the solution to wash away any dirt or debris from your lips. You can also apply turmeric paste, which contains the antioxidant curcumin, which is thought to promote healing in the skin.

Apply SPF

While most people make a habit of applying sunscreen to their faces and bodies, the lips are often overlooked. However, the skin on the lips is vulnerable to sun damage and should be treated as seriously as any other area of the body. A daily lip balm with SPF is a great way to protect against UV-induced aging and the potential for sunburn.

The skin on the lips is much thinner than the rest of the face and has very little melanin, which absorbs and dissipates harmful UV rays. As a result, the lips are more susceptible to UV-induced aging and wrinkling than other parts of the face and body. Cumulative sun exposure can also cause dark spots and dry, flaky lips, as well as lead to actinic cheilitis, a precancerous condition that may develop into skin cancer.

Fortunately, there are plenty of lip products on the market that offer SPF protection. Some are formulated with a higher SPF level, while others are designed to provide both sun protection and moisturization. The key is to find a formula that works for your lifestyle and fits into your skincare routine.

Many dermatologists recommend choosing a lip sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it filters out both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, opt for a product that is water resistant and can be easily reapplied.

Finally, be sure to choose a non-irritating product that is free of ingredients that can irritate the delicate skin on the lips. Look for a product with humectants and emollients to attract and seal in moisture, as well as soothing ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera.

If you forget to apply SPF to the lips, you are exposing them to UV-induced aging and the potential for painful burns. It is important to remember that applying a lip sunscreen every two hours and reapplying frequently is an effective way to prevent sun damage and keep your lips healthy and happy.

Willie Hobdy