We all know what the ideal set of lips should be: smooth, plump, soft and supple. It’s especially desirable for our lips to remain in pristine condition during the holiday season. How else would we rock a bold lippie for that year-end party? If you really want luscious lips, sometimes, you’ve got to work for it. Here’s how.
WORDS HANNAH MAY-LEE WONG
KNOW YOUR INGREDIENTS
If you’ve got dry, sensitive lips, try paying more attention to the ingredients in your lip products the next time you go shopping.
Choose products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
Avoid These
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, those with chapped lips should avoid the following ingredients in their lip products:
- Camphor
- Eucalyptus
- Flavouring such as cinnamon, citrus, mint, and peppermint that can be especially irritating to dry, chapped lips
- Fragrance
- Lanolin
- Menthol
- Octinoxate or oxybenzone
- Phenol or phenyl
- Propyl gallate
- Salicylic acid
Choose These
Dermatologists recommend choosing lip products that have one or more of the following ingredients:
- Castor seed oil
- Ceramides
- Dimethicone
- Hemp seed oil
- Mineral oil
- Petrolatum
- Shea butter
- Sun-protective ingredients such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide
- White petroleum jelly
Watch for Side Effects
- If you apply a product on your lips that causes burning, tingling, stinging, or discomfort, the product is likely irritating your lips.
- Stop using that product immediately.
MOISTURIZE DAY AND NIGHT
A good lip balm contains nourishing emollients to help form a barrier that protects your lips.
- If you’ve got dry lips, it’s a good idea to apply lip balm, a moisturizing lipstick or other types of lip moisturizer throughout the day and before bed.
- Thick ointments such as white petroleum jelly are more effective in locking in moisture than waxes or oils.
STOP LICKING YOUR DRY LIPS!
- When saliva evaporates, your lips can become drier.
- You may be tempted to wet them with saliva, but this often worsens the problem!
- If you need a quick moisture boost, use a lip balm.
YOUR LIPS NEED SUN PROTECTION TOO
- The sun can burn dry and chapped lips, which could lead to cold sores.
- Protect your lips from the UV rays by using lip balm that has SPF30 or higher.
- Lip balms that have sun protection typically contain titanium oxide or zinc oxide as ingredients.
- Don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours.
STAY HYDRATED
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from within.
REMOVE MAKEUP AT THE END OF EVERY DAY
- Your skin needs time to breathe too.
- Washing your face and removing makeup thoroughly at the end of every day is an essential step for smooth, healthy skin.
- If you wear long-lasting/waterproof lipstick, remove your makeup with an oil-based makeup remover to get rid of all traces of makeup.
USE A LIP SCRUB
- Exfoliating or using a lip scrub can help slough away dead skin cells when necessary.
- It is recommended to only do this once or twice a week.
- You can probably find a ready-made lip scrub from your nearby pharmacy or beauty store.
- Refrain from exfoliating if you have sensitive skin, injuries on your lips, or severely chapped lips.
KNOW WHEN TO SEEK HELP
- Most of the time, dry or chapped lips can heal itself within 2 to 3 weeks.
- However, peeling lips could also be a sign of an allergic reaction to lipstick, toothpaste, food or certain medication.
- If the issue persists, it’s best to consult a dermatologist.
ALWAYS A GOOD TIME FOR LIPSTICK
- On top of providing colour, the right lipstick adds a layer of protection and much-needed moisture to dull lips.
- There are all kinds of options of lip products to choose from, the trick is to pick what best suits your lifestyle.
- If you go outdoors a lot, get a lipstick or lip moisturizer with SPF for sun protection.
- If you’ve got dry lips, avoid wearing matte lipsticks. Instead, choose a lip gloss or moisturizing lipstick that is rich in nourishing and emollient ingredients such as shea butter or cocoa butter.
- You can also add a layer of moisturizing lip balm under your usual lipstick for longer-lasting hydration on your lips.
| This article is part of a series that take a scientifically proven look at aesthetics and beauty. |
