The skin on your lips is thinner than most of the skin on your body and does not contain sebum-releasing oil glands, which help keep your skin soft and moisturized, so they are prone to drying out and cracking, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells. However, gentle exfoliation can help improve their appearance by removing dead skin cells, temporarily increasing blood flow to your lips, and removing dark spots.
A simple option is a natural exfoliant with sugar, honey or coconut oil that you can apply once a week.
Prepare your lip scrub at home: 1,2
Ingredients:
Honey
Jojoba oil (or your preferred oil)
White sugar
Instructions:
- Pour the sugar into a bowl, followed by the oil of your choice.
- Add the honey.
- Mix everything together and distribute evenly.
- Before applying the mixture to your lips, remove any residue and moisten them slightly with water.
- Apply the mixture with a toothbrush or cotton swab, using circular movements for 2 or 3 minutes, avoiding rubbing vigorously.
- Remove the mixture with water or wipe with a soft cloth.
- Finally, moisturize your lips with your Total Hydration Chapstick.
By removing dead skin and flakes from the surface of your lips, exfoliation will allow the ingredients in your favorite Chapstick to penetrate and work better.
References:
1. How to Exfoliate Lips the Right Way (Because, Yes, There Are Wrong Ways). Available at: https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-exfoliate-lips (Burlando B, Cornara L. Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review . J Cosmet Dermatol. 2013;12(4):306- 313. doi:10.1111/jocd.12058 Accessed: August 4, 2021 .
2. What can a person use to exfoliate their lips?. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/exfoliate-lips Accessed: August 4, 2021.
Internal sources of the article:
a) Rodan, K., et al. (2016). Skincare bootcamp: The evolving role of skincare. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5172479/
b) Packianathan, N., et al. (2011). Skin care with herbal exfoliants. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/224892687_Skin_Care_with_Herbal_Exfoliants
c) How to safely exfoliate at home. (n.d.) ( h ttps://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
d) 7 dermatologists' tips for healing dry, chapped lips. (n.d.).
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips
e) Everything you need to know about using a lip scrub. (n.d.).
https://www.vaseline.com/us/en/articles/body-care/everything-you-need-to-know-about-using-a-lip-scrub.html