Lips are easily chapped. For one, they’re exposed. Also, they’re thin-skinned and lack oil glands. If that’s not enough, as we age, they get smaller, drier and tend to lose color too.
Yet most women fail to make caring for their lips a part of their routine. That said, here are 4 tips for healthier looking lips:
1: Stay Hydrated
Dry lips indicate that you aren’t drinking enough water. It also indicates that you are stressed. This doesn’t mean that you drink 8 glasses of water everyday. Just make sure what you eat has high water content. Some of these options include fruits and veggies, herbal teas and coconut water.
2: Opt for a Cream or Ointment
While that waxy balm you use prevents moisture loss, it doesn’t hydrate your lips. Of course, if it has menthol or camphor, it can dry (and irritate) your lips. So, a creamy or ointment-like treatment that contains occlusives and humectants should do the trick. Even a cream such as the Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream works perfectly too.
3: Use Balm or Oil To Remove Scaly Patches
Peeling off rough skin can make you lips look young. For this, apply moisturizing balm or oil. Then use a toothbrush with soft bristles to brush away scaly patches. Mix a little brown sugar along with coconut or olive oil. Rub it on your lips with your fingertips for a few seconds. Now, rinse your lips and then apply balm. Do this once a week. Anything more will turn them raw.
4: Use Balm or Lipstick with SPF 15
If your lipstick or balm does not contain a broad-spectrum SPF, then find one. For this, use a balm or lipstick that is at least SPF 15. If you’re at the beach, then use one that is SPF 30 at least.