Dry, cracked lips can be painful and sore. Often worse with colder weather, chapped lips are no fun!
Part of the problem is that, much like the area around the eyes, lips have much thinner skin than the rest of the face. In fact, the stratum corneum (the top most layer of skin) is thinner than anywhere else on the entire body.
The other issue is that lips don’t have any sebaceous glands, which are the glands that moisturise skin. Instead, saliva is used to moisturise lips, but this doesn’t provide long-lasting relief from dry lips.
For these reasons, using targeted treatments to help painful and sore cracked lips is a must! For very severe cracked lips (for example, if you’re skiing) my recommendation is a three step process to alleviate any discomfort or dryness.
Step 1: Exfoliate your lips
Exfoliating your lips is the vital first step to smooth, soft and more comfortable lips.
In my opinion, the best lip scrubs use a base of sugar, as this dissolves gently whilst still being highly effective. In addition to sugar, an effective lip exfoliator should also contain a combination of oils, butter, or other ingredients to nourish the skin.
Some lip scrubs need to be removed while others can be left on, so always read the label carefully. Use once or twice a week but no more to prevent over-exfoliating and making your lips red, raw and even more sensitive.
My Top Lip Exfoliators:
Contains brown sugar, shea butter and jojoba oil for a gentle but effective exfoliation.
Perfect if you prefer natural or organic skincare. Ilia Lip Exfoliator also contains volcanic stone powder for a powerful, deeper exfoliation
Pixi Nourishing Lip Polish, £14
With Shea Butter and Evening Primrose Oil, this is a fab product that is reasonably priced with an easy to use applicator.
Step 2: Use a Lip Mask or Serum
A fairly new idea, lips masks will pack a punch in 5 minutes! A powerful addition to your lip routine, particularly if you’ve been finding lipstick flaking or peeling, as a lip mask or serum can penetrate deeply and hydrate effectively.
Use after your lip exfoliator once or twice a week and be sure to use a balm afterwards to seal in the effect.
Expensive but allegedly used by many A-list celebrities. Not only hydrates but also softens and smooths fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth also.
Starskin Dreamplus Biocellulose Masks, £8.50 for 2
Softens and soothes dry lips, perfect to take on a weekend away.
Skinceuticals Anti-Oxidant Lip Repair, £35
A serious product, for seriously dehydrated and chapped lips! Use daily under a lip balm.
Step 3: Regularly apply a Lip Balm
A Lip Balm can be applied as often as you feel the need throughout the day. It will keep the lips feeling hydrating which will hopefully stop you licking your lips and drying them out further.
Three of my particular favourites are:
Contains Zinc Oxide which is a natural and effective sunscreen. Also contains menthol for a tingly, fresh feeling. A great all-rounder, I also use it on top of lipstick to give a softer look.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Lip Protectant, £20
Another great all-rounder, it contains Vitamin E to soothe lips, and a sun protector to prevent further damage. It also now comes in a number of different shades as well, so can be used instead of lipstick for a relaxed daytime look.
Not just a lip balm, this multi award-winning lip balm can be used in so many other ways! Use for flyaway hair, as a cuticle cream, on burns or cracked skin. It can also be used as nappy cream as it’s so gentle. A great product to have in your handbag.
You can purchase Dr. Paw Paw in our beauty salon in North Finchley.
Follow these steps regularly and you’ll get hydrated, soft, and plump lips in no time!
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