Unlike the skin on the rest of your body, the skin on your lips is much thinner, making it even more prone to dehydration and damage. “All too often we tend to forget that this skin also requires care and maintenance, especially hydration, sun protection and periodic gentle exfoliation,” says dermatologist Dr Rebecca Marcus.
This tender skin also lacks hair follicles and sweat glands, and it has only a small number of oil glands. Fortunately, focusing on proper lip care can help banish uncomfortably dry lips for good. While a little lip maintenance goes a long way, simply applying lip balm and calling it a day is not enough. That’s where our expert-approved tips come in.
Buff away flakes
Exfoliation isn’t always necessary for taking care of your lips, but when they become flaky and dry, Dr Marcus says gentle exfoliation can help clear away dead skin. However, over-exfoliation can do more harm than good, disrupting the skin barrier and leaving skin susceptible to irritation, worsened flaking and peeling.
To exfoliate lips, choose a lip scrub with fine (sugar/honey) crystals and moisturising ingredients (like coconut oil) to help protect delicate lip skin. Apply a small amount onto lips and massage the product in circular motions with firm yet gentle pressure before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Follow up with a nourishing lip balm or mask.
Choose the right lip balm
Nourishing your lips with a well-formulated lip balm is the most important step in taking care of them. A hydrating, fragrance-free balm containing SPF is a must-have, explains Dr Marcus. Even on the dullest winter days, ensure it contains a sun-protective SPF 30 or higher. “It’s the most essential component of lip care,” she says.
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your lip balm, look for these types of moisturising ingredients:
Humectants: These might appear on labels as jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and will help to hydrate.
Emollients: Think squalane and shea butter, which are great at nourishing and soothing your lips.
Occlusives: Petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly, can help seal in hydration and prevent moisture loss.
What you don’t want on your lips
Lip products containing fragrances and essential oils can worsen dryness and flaking and cause a “vicious cycle” of reapplication, Dr Marcus says. Also, flavoured lip balms can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Pamper with a lip mask
Overnight lip masks seal in hydrating and healing ingredients, allowing the skin barrier to regenerate and repair itself, Dr Marcus explains. “I find lip masks particularly helpful in winter and for lip lickers and mouth breathers, as both of these habits tend to dry the lips out.”
Prevention's lip product essentials
Lip mask: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. This cult favourite ensures your lips are soft and supple by morning.
Lip balm: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Lip Repair Balm. Blending bees wax with shea butter, this rich balm provides instant hydration and relief for dry lips.
Lip treatment: Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster. Increases moisture with hydrating squalane, hyaluronic acid and firming peptides.
Lip protector: Natio Moisturising Lip Balm SPF 50+. An aloe-rich, water-resistant balm that both soothes and protects.
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