Written by Adeline J. Wells
As we drift further into the winter season, it is as important as ever to prioritize the maintenance of our skincare routines. While we may increase our moisturizer or nourishing elements for healthy skin, it is very easy to overlook the thin, delicate skin of the lips. While the skincare department seems to be teeming with products to help, prioritizing proper care is crucial to avoid cracks and chapped lips. Here are a few tips to maintain proper lip care, keeling them hydrated, healthy, and beautiful throughout the season.
Avoid Drying Out
The first step of lip care is preventive. By avoiding drying out the lips in the first place, it is much easier to stay ahead of moisturizing and nourishment. It is always wise to cover the lips with a scarf when subjecting them to cold, windy weather. Avoiding licking the lips is also crucial; the enzymes in saliva can irritate the skin, and it removes the protective oily coat on the lips, lending them to dry out faster.
Exfoliate
Dry, cold winter air causes a lack of moisture, resulting in dry, dead skin. Just as we exfoliate our faces to cleanse off these dead skin cells, our lips need regular exfoliation to rid themselves of them as well. Creating a simple lip scrub is an easy, low-maintenance way to do so, and can be done using products from your own kitchen. Use both a moisturizing and an exfoliating component to do so: coconut oil, jojoba oil, or honey can all work well as emollients, while sugar or coffee grounds are great at gentle exfoliation. Be sure to only use once or twice weekly to avoid irritation and maintain proper lip care.
Increase Hydration
It sounds simple, but increasing your hydration internally will reflect well on your external skin health, including lip care. Increasing water intake during the winter months will help counteract the drying weather forces; eating water-rich foods such as cucumbers and winter citrus is also helpful. Further, adding moisture to the air by way of a humidifier can aid in further increasing hydration. Consider running one in your office during work or near your bed for overnight relief.
Be Knowledgeable About Products
There are a multitude of oils, ointments, and balms on the market that all promise to result in healthy lips. While there isn’t one “right” product out there, there are a few key things to look for when selecting the product for you. High-quality balms containing natural moisturizers are ideal, such as beeswax, coconut oil, or shea butter. Look for a balm with at least an SPF of 30 before going outside; lips need protection from ultraviolet light, too! Following the balm with an occlusive layer will help to seal in the moisture; products with petroleum jelly or glycerin work well as sealants for elevated lip care.
Be mindful of using products containing menthol, eucalyptus, camphor, or flavorings such as peppermint or cinnamon. While the tingling sensation on the lip surface may feel nice, these elements can irritate the lips and further dry them out. When possible, building a lip care routine of natural, organic wellness products is ideal for healthy, nourished lips all season long.
