Let’s start with a classic – some anatomy.
The mouth is formed by:
- upper lip (Latin: labium superius oris ),
- lower lip (Latin: labium inferius oris ).
The lips have a three-layer structure - under the top layer of skin there are muscles and tendons , and beneath them - a lining of mucous membrane .
The characteristic color of the lips is the so-called red lip . It results from the fact that the epithelial layer covering the lips is thin, so the blood vessels are visible through it.
IMPORTANT: There are no sebaceous glands on the lips. This means they have no additional protection against moisture loss , especially on cold, hot or windy days.
Do you instinctively lick your lips when they feel dry?
You know, everyone does it sometimes ;)
In reality, however, this may have the opposite effect to that intended .
Licking your lips can lead to the spread and accumulation of yeast (parasitic fungal cells) on your lips – and this is a direct route to (you are probably familiar with) inflammation in the corners of your mouth and erosions .
The popular "chewing gums" may also have other causes and result from, among others, vitamin B2 deficiency , decreased immunity or previous antibiotic therapy .
How to care for your lips?
The most important thing is, of course, proper hydration.
The basic rule is this: as soon as you feel your lips are dry, apply a moisturizer of your choice .
Ingredients worth looking for in the compositions of such cosmetics
- White Vaseline,
- shea butter,
- glycerine,
- ceramides,
- wax,
- lanolin.
What ingredients should you avoid?
Potentially irritating ones such as:
- camphor,
- eucalyptus oil,
- cinnamon,
- menthol.
They can not only increase the dryness of the lips , but also cause irritation or various types of allergic reactions , including itching or burning of the lips.
How to moisturize your lips?
Lip balm, oil – what to choose?
Most lip balm formulas are based on wax (for example beeswax , which has anti-inflammatory properties ). The wax content determines the stable mass of the balm, which gives the lips a natural look and effectively moisturizes chapped lips.
Butters (e.g. cocoa or shea) are also used to produce lip balms .
The compositions of lip oils, as the name suggests, are based on various oils – these may include jojoba oil, castor oil or sunflower seed oil.
Such products not only moisturize the lips, but are also a great addition to everyday makeup. Oils can create a so-called water surface effect on the lips, which enhances the redness of the lips, combining the pleasant (aesthetic appearance) with the useful (moisturizing and lip protection). :)
Should you use a scrub on your lips?
Yes!
If your lips tend to be dry, it is worth exfoliating them 1-2 times a week .
Simply apply a small amount of product to your fingertips and gently rub your lips in small, circular motions for no more than 30 seconds .
Remember that you need to be especially gentle in this area, as it is much more sensitive than the rest of your face!
If your scrub contains nourishing ingredients, such as nourishing oils, leave it on your lips for a few minutes, then rinse it off with warm water and pat your lips dry with a clean towel.
After exfoliating, apply a protective balm to lock in moisture and soothe your lips .
PRO TIP: Do not pick dry skin from your lips (although this may not seem like a tempting option sometimes... ). This often results in small wounds on the lips, which, if left untreated, can even lead to the development of an abscess.
What else is important?
Sun protection!
Yes, products with SPF should also be applied to the lips. They are just as susceptible to UV radiation as the rest of the body. Applying SPF protects the lips from basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma .
SPF also helps prevent damage from chronic sun exposure , which can lead to dry lips and wrinkles around the lips .
You can use the same SPF products for your lips that you use for your entire face, or ones specifically designed for your lips.
As with other areas, SPF on your lips should be reapplied every 2 hours !
Created at: 29/03/2023
Updated at: 30/03/2023
