February is the month to kiss lip damage goodbye and pucker up for your Valentine. There are a few things you can do right now to prepare your lips for that perfect smooch. And we’ve included some tips you'll want to keep in mind for a healthy pout all year round.
A Pretty Pout
Kissable lips come down to hydration, and that's hard to come by during the dry months of winter. There’s less moisture in the air now than during the summer months. Compensate for dryness by restoring your moisture balance—from the inside out.
Lip Tips
Drink lots of hydrating fluids every day, especially water. Also, foods high in water content like fruits and veggies are helpful. In addition, use a humidifier to add as much moisture as possible back into the air around you.
- Don't lick your lips because saliva is acidic and dries your lips.
- Gently exfoliate your lips once or twice a week with a lip scrub.
Chapstick and Lip Balm
Unlike the rest of your skin, your lips do not have oil glands so, it is up to you to keep them moisturized. Your lips suffer when their moisture barrier (the outer layer of skin) is compromised, which causes them to crack, and chap. Avoid this by wearing a moisturizing balm daily during the winter.
Ingredients to Look For
There are some great chapstick and balm options online and over the counter. Avoid drying ingredients like fragrance, salicylic acid, menthol, and camphor. You'll want to look for hydrating and protecting ingredients like:
- Cocoa butter
- Shea butter
- Jojoba
- SPF
Let's Talk SPF
Did you know that the risk of sunburn on your lips is higher than the rest of your skin? That's because it doesn't have the same top layer of protection called the stratum corneum that the rest of your skin has. This makes your lips softer than the surrounding skin (on the plus side). But it also makes them more susceptible to sun damage. That's why you need to wear lip balms and chapsticks with SPF.
If You Need Lip Repair
What should you do if your lips are damaged? We recommend SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair restorative treatment if you need lip repair help. It's perfect for injured or aging lips because it helps attract and retain water. This product rejuvenates, reshapes, and replenishes your lip tissue.
There are things you can do right now to keep your lips moisturized, like getting lots of hydration and running a humidifier. Also, balms and chapsticks are a great way to add softness to your lips. Remember to choose those with SPF so your delicate lip skin will be protected from sun damage. If you have any questions about any of the above or you would like some additional skincare product recommendation, schedule a visit with one of our dermatology clinics today!