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Skincare for the Lips

February 22, 2019
By: Dermatology Consultants of Frisco

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, there wouldn't be a better time to take care of your lips.

While most of us are good at taking care of our skin, we often neglect the lips which makes them susceptible to damage.

Facts About the Skin on the Lips

The skin on the lips is susceptible to peeling, cold sores, splitting, and other conditions. This is because it is thinner than the rest of the skin. Besides, it lacks melanin and does not have oil-secreting glands like the rest of the skin. Due to the lack of oil-secreting glands, the lips have to be constantly moisturized.

Tips On How to Keep the Skin On Your Lips Moisturized

Exfoliating

Just like the rest of your skin, it is necessary for you to remove any dead or dry skin from the lips. Exfoliating speeds up the process of renewing the skin and keeps your lips free of impurities. Exfoliate the lips every morning by rubbing them gently with your toothbrush. There are also store-bought exfoliators. 
Alternatively, you can mix two teaspoons of sugar with one teaspoon of honey and applying the mixture on your lips. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and rinse off with cold water. The sugar eliminates the dull cells while honey nourishes and makes your pout plump. Do this twice every week for the best results. An occasional lip mask also helps exfoliate the skin on your lips.

Moisturizing

Follow up you're the exfoliation with a moisturizing procedure to keep them from getting chapped. The best and easiest way to achieve this is by applying some petroleum jelly. Use your fingertips to rub the jelly politely on your lips, then press them together. 

Apart from petroleum jelly, you can use a natural or organic lip balm. Consider one with SPF (sun protection factor) as it will also protect your lips against harmful UV rays. Avoid balms that are rich in tints, flavors, and artificial fragrances. Keep a tube of your favorite balm in your bag and apply it whenever you feel that your drips are drying up. 

Apart from using lip balm during the day, it is vital that you make it part of your night-time routine.

Lipstick Application

Apply lipstick only after moisturizing your lips then kiss a tissue or the back of your hand to get rid of the excess lipstick. Avoid matte lipsticks as they could actually be the reason why your lips are dry. Choose lipsticks containing Vitamin E or glycerine.

Avoid Licking Your Lips

Although licking your lips could provide you with some temporary relief, it does more damage in the long run as it causes your lips to become extremely dry. Saliva has digestive enzymes which break down the lips' protective barrier.

Eat Healthy

For healthy and supple lips, you need to stick to nutrient-rich foods including fruits and vegetables especially those that contain Vitamin B and E. Make sure you also stay hydrated by taking 8 glasses of water a day.

Talk to a Professional Dermatologist

Despite all the above preventive measures, your lips could still get chapped or cracked. Should this be the case, then it's time to visit a doctor.

Dermatology Consultants of Frisco provides you with comprehensive dermatology services to Frisco, Carrollton, and Denton residents. Get in touch with us today via 469-208-7181 and let's talk about more lip care tips.