January 31, 2022
Lip Care 101: Winter Edition
Cracked, chapped, and dry lips are something most of us have been victims of regardless of the weather. The skin on the lips is some of the thinnest skin on our body, therefore, requiring extra care. I have found that my lips become the most vulnerable during the windy winter season. The mix of cold air outside and heated air inside only serves to worsen the condition of my lips. So here I will offer you some tips to help your lips reach their best condition!
- Avoid Licking Lips
Whenever I feel my lips getting a little dry, my first instinct is always to lick them as it feels like a natural quick fix. Especially during winter because that’s when they feel the driest. However, licking actually makes the lip dryness worse. At first, it may feel like it is effective, but this simple action can become harmful in the long run. Our Saliva contains digestive enzymes that negatively affect the delicate and thin skin on the lips. The more one continues to lick their lips the more worn down and vulnerable they become to the elements of the environment. This vulnerability makes them more prone to cracking and bleeding.
- Moisturize
Unlike most parts of the body, the lips contain no oil glands and are therefore unable to provide hydration on their own. The most common way to revitalize one’s lips is to apply a good lip balm. Lip balms and ointments are created to provide moisturization and nourishment to make lips look fuller and healthier. They also serve to create a protective barrier between the delicate lips and all the harsh environmental elements. One of my holy grails for lip care is the Vaseline Lip Therapy line. It contains petrolatum or mineral oil jelly, which aids in locking in moisture. It also gives the lips a natural glossy shine without leaving a greasy or sticky feeling behind. It comes in different scents such as cocoa butter, créme brûlée, and rose as well as original which is unscented. Another holy grail of mine is the ISOI Sensitive Moisture Lip Balm. The active ingredients and plant-based oils infused in the lip balm work together effectively to provide adequate moisturization. Its main ingredients are castor oil, which softens the lips, and meadowfoam seed oil, which forms a barrier that locks in moisture. ISOI also offers tinted moisturizing lip balms for those days that you want a natural pop of color!
- SPF
Even though it is winter, wearing SPF is still super important! This is because our skin is still prone to sun damage, even during the colder months. Skin cancer can affect any part of the body, but because the skin on the lips is so thin, they are more prone to damage. Without the proper protection, the sun can destroy the collagen in our lips, making them even more vulnerable and thin. Using lip products with SPF helps protect and prevent lip dryness and pigmentation caused by the sun. Always make sure to reapply throughout the day to ensure that you’re receiving adequate protection!
- Healthy Living
Our lips can say a lot about our health! That’s why it’s important for us to take care of ourselves from the inside so that we can look healthy on the outside, especially during flu season. One of the easiest things we can do to prevent chapped lips and take care of our health is to drink enough water. Drinking water benefits the body in that it replenishes any lost moisture from the lips. It is also essential to carry a diet rich in nutrients and minerals. Not only will doing these things help your lips but your overall health as well!
Love,
Ashley
