Flaky, sandpaper lips? Make it a thing of the past with this all-you-need-to-know lip care guide. From what causes sore, cracked lips to how to prevent and treat them, we’ve got it covered.
CAUSES OF DRY LIPS
The skin on your lips is very thin and delicate and therefore more sensitive. You’ll notice your lips become drier or chapped when the air temperature drops, when there’s a bitter wind, or when you’ve been subjected to air conditioning, or they can be burnt when you’re in the sun. In fact, more moisture is lost through your lips than through any other part of your face or body, so it’s no surprise that your lips need extra attention and lots of moisturizing. Upping your water intake to at least one litre a day will make sure your body is hydrated, which in turn gives your lips a moisture boost, but sometimes you need a little help from lip exfoliators and balms, too.
PREVENTION OF DRY LIPS
Exfoliate lips twice a week to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth surface to apply your lip balm to. You can make your own scrub by mixing a tablespoon of brown sugar with a tablespoon of honey, and then rub it gently onto your lips with your fingertips in a circular motion. Remove with a clean, damp, muslin cloth. Never exfoliate if your lips have open wounds or are chapped.
DIY lip scrubs
Keep your pout smooth, soft, and healthy with these quick and easy all-natural DIY lip scrub treatments. Make sure you do not over-exfoliate and be gentle.
1. Coconut & Honey Lip Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon organic honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon lukewarm water
Instructions:
- Mix coconut oil & honey together to form a paste.
- Add the brown sugar & the lukewarm water to this mixture.
- Rub the mixture on your lips in a circular motion for a few mins & then rinse with lukewarm water.
2. Coffee & Honey Scrub
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon coffee grounds
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- Mix both ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir well.
- Dab this scrub onto your lips & massage in a circular motion for about 1-2 mins.
- Leave it on for 3 mins.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
