Let's get things straight, no lipstick can create a perfect pout if your lips aren't well cared for. As we ready ourselves for the day's activities, dry, chapped lips aren't the look we're going for. But before we get to the list of things we can do to take care of our lips, let's address the question: What causes dry and cracked lips?
Our lips are thinner than the skin on the other parts of our body. This makes it very vulnerable to damage due to sun exposure, cold and dry air, abrasion, and chemicals. Another reason is that our lips have lesser amounts of oil glands so our lips can't stay moisturized all day long. The lips do not contain a natural sun-protecting component called melanin, so our lips are at a higher risk of getting sunburned. Because of these reasons, we now know that it is important for us to take extra care of our lips.
Here are some simple tips that will help you to take care of your lips:
1. If you feel that your lips are dry, don't lick your lips!
Licking your lips might seem like the first aid, but it's not. Licking and touching your lips when they’re chapped will not make them better. Saliva is just a temporary moisture and once it dries up, your lips will be even drier. Your saliva contains enzymes that are simply too harsh on your delicate lips.
2. Drink lots of water.
A piece of good life advice is to drink 8 or more glasses a day. Staying hydrated is the most important thing when it comes to healthy lips. If you’re hydrated, your lips will be too.
3. Remove your makeup.
Always remember to strip away your makeup at the end of the day. Make sure to remove all traces of lipstick on your lips, that way you allow your lips to breathe and keep them away from being exposed to chemicals too long as this can contribute to darkening of your lips.
4. Use a lip scrub.
An excellent way to exfoliate your lips is to use a lip scrub. A lip scrub will help in the removal of dead skin cells that tend to dull the natural glow of the skin. You can use Soak Opera's Lip Scrub that contains Acai Berry, Beetroot, natural oils and butter, and fine grain sugar. This lip scrub will nourish your lips with antioxidants and vitamins and seal in moisture with shea butter, sunflower oil, and beeswax.
Fun Fact: Massaging and exfoliating your lips will increase the blood flow to your lips, making them look clear and red.
5. Brush with a soft toothbrush.
If you prefer a different method other than exfoliating with a lip scrub, you can try brushing your lips using a soft, gentle toothbrush. You can do this one to two times per day to exfoliate.
6. Always carry a lip balm.
In case of lip emergencies (dry lips, chapped lips, dull lips), lip balm will save the day. Always carry with you a good creamy and hydrating lip balm, like Soak Opera's lip balm. This lip balm contains thick emollients like coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax that makes your lips feel instantly moisturized and protected from dry air. It is an all-natural lip balm free from irritants, allergens, and occlusives. It does not contain any essential oil, fragrance, and artificial flavoring. It only uses a nature-derived sweetener that makes it taste yummy! Don't forget the healing properties of Lavender and Calendula, this lip balm is great for irritated, chapped lips.
7. Beware of toothpaste.
Brushing your teeth is always a must, but try not to get too much toothpaste on your lips. Many kinds of toothpaste contain sulfates which can dry them out.
8. Use SPF
Sunscreens are for the lips too. As mentioned, our lips don't contain melanin to protect them from sun damage. SPF is a must to protect them – even in the winter.
9. Keep your lips hydrated overnight.
Imagine how good it must feel to wake up with soft, supple lips. The trick is to apply a lip mask before going to bed or you can simply wear your lip balms as lip masks. How? Apply a thick layer of lip balm and voila! It is now as good as a lip mask.
10. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
If you've followed these tips and still ended up with extremely irritated cracked lips, it is time to visit the doctor. Cracked lips can be a symptom of a bigger health issue.
In conclusion, our lips are very delicate and sensitive so it is advisable to stay away from lip products that contain unsafe chemicals. Avoid using lip products with menthol (e.g. peppermint), fragrance, flavoring, chemical sunscreen ingredients, petrolatum, and mineral oils. Consider using organic products from now on because when it comes to our lips, less is always more.
If you've been suffering from dry and chapped lips, we hope that one or more of these treatments finally does the trick!