I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t always taken the best care of my lips. I’m a chronic lip-biter, a habit that stems from anxiety. Even when I’m not feeling particularly anxious, I’ve still caught myself biting my lips when I’m laser-focused on whatever I’m doing. It’s a habit that I haven’t quite been able to beat, so my lips always need some extra care.
In general, our lips require extra care and attention, no matter what our habits may be. Unlike the skin on our bodies, our lips don’t have oil glands. This makes the skin on our lips especially prone to dryness. In addition, our lips lack melanin, the pigment that helps protect our skin from sun exposure.
If you’re looking to step up your lip care routine, keep these important tips in mind.
A Simple Routine
Generally, an effective lip care routine includes two key steps: hydration and exfoliation. Keep your lips moisturized with a good lip balm that you can apply anywhere from 2 to 4 times a day (although applying balm anytime your lips feel dry is also appropriate). In addition, incorporating lip exfoliation into your nighttime skincare routine is an excellent way to remove dry, flaky skin and bring back vitality and softness to your lips.
To exfoliate your lips, apply a small amount of exfoliating scrub to your fingers (make sure any scrub you use is specifically formulated for use on your lips). Rub the product gently in circular motions over your lips for 30 seconds. Wait 10 seconds to allow nourishing oils to penetrate. Rinse with lukewarm water or use a warm, damp washcloth to gently remove the scrub from your lips. Lastly, pat your lips dry with a clean towel and apply a generous layer of balm to protect, soothe, and lock in moisture.
Like with any exfoliation routine, be cautious not to overdo it. Harsh exfoliation can damage your skin’s barrier and make it harder for your lips to hold moisture. Also, if your lips are healthy, you might not need to exfoliate at all. Exfoliation should only be done if your lips tend to chafe and only once or twice a week.
What to Look For and What to Avoid
When searching for lip care products, there are a few things you should be on the lookout for. First up are nourishing ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, glycerin, and ceramides. Natural oils like coconut, avocado, almond, and jojoba also offer healthy benefits for your lips. You also want to make sure that you’re protecting your lips with SPF 30 during the day.
On the flipside, avoid potentially irritating ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus, peppermint, cinnamon, and menthol. You should also steer clear of synthetic fragrances and dyes. While different colors and scents can be fun, if you want to get serious about lip care, it’s best to avoid them. These ingredients can not only cause more dryness to the lips, but may also lead to irritation or an allergic reaction.
My Favorite Lip Care Products
Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm: As one of the few lip balms I’m not allergic to, Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm has become a staple in my routine. I keep a stockpile in my bathroom cabinet so I never have to be without it. It keeps my lips soft and moisturized throughout the day and night, and helps to heal any dryness or irritation. $4
Fresh Sugar Lip Polish: This is the only lip exfoliator I have ever used (or will ever use). Packed with nourishing oils and natural sugar crystals, this moisturizing lip scrub gently buffs away dryness and textural irregularities for smooth, revitalized lips. $21
Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Treatment Lip Balm: This is my go-to balm for whenever I feel like my lips need extra attention. It’s a bit pricey ($28), but I wouldn’t recommend it if I didn’t think it was worth every penny. This silky balm (paired with the sugar scrub) makes for an unbeatable combo.
Bonus Tips for Healthy Lips
If you suffer from dry lips, try to avoid the habit of licking them. Licking your lips can cause angular cheilitis, a buildup of yeast on the lips that can cause painful inflammation.
Also, be mindful when brushing your teeth, as certain toothpaste ingredients (like mint, citrus, and sodium lauryl sulfate) can cause or worsen dry lips. To protect your lips after brushing, rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove any residue, and then apply a lip balm or moisturizer.