’Tis the season for family gatherings, food indulgences, and…chapped lips. The combination of cold, dry air, harsh winds, and indoor heating can wreak havoc on your lips, leaving them parched and flaky. In addition to keeping your favorite balm on hand, there are a few ways you can help give your lips a little extra TLC this season.
Avoid the discomfort and unattractive look of dry, peeling lips with these tips:
Exfoliate
Your lips are delicate, but they can handle a little tough love—and they’ll greatly benefit from some light exfoliation over the winter. It might sound scary, but you have a few options for keeping it gentle.
- Purchase a professional product, such as the Maracuja Lip Exfoliant by Tarte. These exfoliating products are typically bundled with intensely hydrating ingredients to make sure you don’t overdo it.
- Try making your own sugar scrub at home by mixing a tablespoon of brown sugar and a dribble of honey OR a teaspoon of coconut or olive oil to help it stick together. Apply to the lips and softly rub. Remove after it has been sitting for about a minute. Don’t forget to use lip balm after!
Pay attention to ingredients
Fat, oil, a plant derivative—oftentimes we have no idea what we’re putting on our lips. Make sure to read the ingredients on your tube of chapstick, gloss, or lipstick before purchasing. We suggest using products containing shea butter, vitamin E, and/or macadamia oil, as these ingredients help moisturize, nourish, and protect.
Don’t forget the SPF
The sun isn’t out as long this time of year, but you should still protect your face and skin (including your lips). In addition to using an SPF 30 or higher on your skin every day, look for a lip balm that offers protection as well.
Don’t lick your lips
Most everyone gets the urge to lick their lips when they’re chapped, but as difficult as it might be to resist, don’t do it! At best you’ll have only temporary relief, and at worst you might exacerbate the problem. That’s because you are removing natural lubricating oils present on your lips and introducing acids from your saliva that can dry the skin out. Stick with chapstick.
Remember to hydrate
Many skin related problems boil down to one bad habit: not drinking enough water. Not only is water great for your body and skin, it can help stave off excessive dryness of the lips. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and use a humidifier at night.
Unhappy with your lips in general?
If your lips lack definition or you wish they were a bit fuller, there are a number of safe options for natural-looking lip enhancement. Here at CPS, we’re proud to now offer JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA® XC, the newest filler developed specifically for safe, long-lasting lip enhancement.
Your best option in improving any skin or age-related condition is talking with a professional. Our expert skincare specialists would be glad to help you look and feel your best by the holidays. Contact us today!
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