Share This Article
Lips can be as sensitive as other parts of the body. They have skin, but it’s much thinner than the rest of the body. This can cause lips to dry and chap easily.
However, there is a way to prevent this. All you have to do is provide the utmost care and establish an effective lip care routine. But do you have enough ideas to do that?
In this article, you will learn the following basics to start your lip care journey:
Lip Care Procedure
1. Clean
Cleaning your lips is as important as washing your face twice daily. It may be tedious, but it allows your lips to breathe, especially after wearing makeup all day. You can use a cotton ball or makeup remover wipes for this. If you practice cleaning your lips regularly, you won’t have any buildup of oils and dirt that can cause blemishes or unwanted breakouts.
2. Massage
After washing your face, it’s time to give your lips a massage treatment. Massaging your lips helps improve blood circulation in that area. Besides, you can expect a natural rosy sheen.
You can use nourishing oil and gently rub it on your lips. Press the outer corners of your lips using your fingertips, and do this for two to three minutes.
3. Hydrate
Hydration prevents your lips from becoming cracked or chapped. Make a habit of hydrating both internally and externally to keep your lips moisturized. Start by drinking plenty of water; aim for at least eight glasses per day.
Apply a hydrating lip balm before bed for some external hydration. Doing this will make your lips soft and moisturized. Additionally, for deep hydration, consider using a lip hydration oil.
4. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is crucial in your lip care routine because it helps remove dry skin flakes. It’s best to do this once or twice a week. You can use a soft wet toothbrush or washcloth to gently brush your lips.
You can also choose the appropriate lip exfoliator for you. This way, you can help your skin become healthier and softer. You can opt for a mild lip scrub available over the counter.
Try using a berry-based lip scrub. It nourishes the skin on your lips, as it’s rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. You can create your berry-based lip scrub at home by crushing a strawberry and adding it to a honey and olive oil mixture.
5. Moisturize
Moisturizing your lips is an essential step in your lip care routine. It locks in moisture and forms a natural protective barrier. To keep your lips moisturized, you can use a moisturizing lip mask. Alternatively, apply store-bought aloe vera gel, or use a fresh aloe leaf if you have an aloe plant at home. Aloe vera provides a soothing feeling and has healing properties.
Other Ways To Maintain Healthy Lips
1. Wear Lip Balms Or Choose The Right Lipstick
Wearing lip balm is an excellent start for achieving great lips. Lip balms prevent your lips from drying and chapping and promote healing.
It’s helpful to use lip balms containing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil. These ingredients provide a natural protective barrier for your lips. Additionally, avoid lip balms with camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol. Although these ingredients seem soothing, they can cause your lips to dry out.
Wearing lipstick can also be beneficial if you’re not a fan of lip balms. However, when going out, it’s ideal to coat your lips with primer to prevent them from drying out. Moreover, using less matte lipstick will help, as it contains drying formulas that make it last longer on your lips.
2. Use Sun Protection
Your lips can be susceptible to damaging exposures such as ultraviolet rays and toxins. It’s crucial to recognize that your lips, particularly your bottom lip, are a common site for lip cancer. Thus, apply sun protection to your lips with an SPF of 15 or higher to avoid this.
Additionally, your lips can be affected by polluted air, smoke, and chemicals. All of these factors can cause your lips to appear dark and wrinkled. Therefore, it’s best to refrain from smoking cigarettes to improve your lip health. Consider wearing a scarf when necessary to cover your lips and prevent inhaling secondhand smoke.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned strategies are an excellent starting point for taking care of your lips. All you have to do is follow them consistently. By doing so, you can stop worrying about cracked and chapped lips and instead enjoy the newfound confidence that comes with having soft and healthy lips.
