When temperatures drop, the skin of your face can dry out pretty quickly. The skin on your lips can, too, leaving you with dry, chapped lips and lots of discomfort. Taking care of your lips is just as crucial as taking care of the rest of your skin and requires daily maintenance and a dedicated care routine. Get great lips any time of year with these tips from Dr. Mayli Davis.
Why Do Lips Dry Out?
Ingredients. There are a few reasons, and some of them may be a part of your regular skin care or health care routines. Some products, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, cleansers and even some sunscreen, can contain ingredients and allergens that can dry your lips out and cause chapping or irritation. Toss products that irritate your skin and exchange them for those that will keep your skin supple.
Habits. If you are a chronic lip-licker, you may want to listen to this: Saliva contains enzymes and bacteria that help break down food particles. These digestive enzymes and bacteria can break down the skin of your lips, too. If you’re in the habit of licking your lips, try applying a thick later of lip balm. One with a taste you don’t like will help you kick your lip-licking habit even faster!
Environment. If the air in your home is dry, it could dry out your skin and your lips. Fight this by adding a humidifier.
So, How Can You Save Your Lips?
Here are our suggestions:
Lip Scrub. Exfoliate dry skin from the lips with a lip scrub once or twice a week. If you do not have a lip scrub, you can use coconut oil to scrub your lips gently. The key word is gentle!
Prime Time. Use a hydrating lip primer before applying your lipstick to keep lips soft and supple.
Drink Up. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water every day (it will also do your body good!). Try to drink half your body weight in ounces per day.
Wear Sunscreen. Yes, even on your lips. Use quality lip products with an SPF of at least 30 to keep your lips in good shape. Wearing sun protection on the lips can help them look great, but also helps to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer of the lips.
Want great lips? Call Dr. Davis at 817-778-4444 for more information about fillers and other lip-enhancement treatments.
