How To Exfoliate Your Lips and Why It is Important
Your lips are one of the most sensitive and delicate areas on your face. Unlike the rest of your skin, they don’t have oil glands, making them prone to dryness, flakiness, and chapping. To maintain healthy, supple lips, exfoliation is crucial. In this blog, we’ll discuss why exfoliating your lips is essential, how to do it properly, and some tips on keeping your lips hydrated and healthy.
Why is exfoliating your lips important?
Exfoliating your lips helps to remove dead skin cells, which can make your lips appear dry, chapped, and flaky. Dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of your lips, and when they’re not removed, they can prevent lip balm and other moisturizing products from penetrating the skin. This can lead to even more dryness and chapping.
Exfoliating also helps to stimulate blood flow, which can increase the production of collagen, a protein that gives your lips their plumpness and elasticity. Collagen production decreases as you age, so regular exfoliation can help to slow down the aging process and keep your lips looking youthful and healthy.
How to exfoliate your lips properly?
Now that you know why exfoliating your lips is essential let’s talk about how to do it properly.
Step 1: Choose the right exfoliator
There are two types of lip exfoliators: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliators use physical abrasion to remove dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliators use acids to dissolve them.
Mechanical exfoliators usually come in the form of lip scrubs. You can either buy a lip scrub or make one at home. To make a homemade lip scrub, mix one tablespoon of brown sugar with one tablespoon of honey or coconut oil. Gently rub the mixture onto your lips in a circular motion, then rinse with warm water.
Chemical exfoliators use alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to dissolve dead skin cells. AHAs are water-soluble and work on the surface of the skin, while BHAs are oil-soluble and can penetrate deeper into the pores. Look for lip balms or treatments that contain AHAs or BHAs to exfoliate your lips.
Step 2: Prep your lips
Before you start exfoliating, you need to prep your lips. Make sure your lips are clean and free of any lip balm, lipstick, or other products. You can use a gentle cleanser or micellar water to remove any residue.
Step 3: Exfoliate your lips
Using your chosen exfoliator, gently rub it onto your lips in a circular motion for about 30 seconds. Don’t rub too hard, as this can cause irritation and damage to your delicate lip skin. After you’ve exfoliated, rinse your lips with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Step 4: Apply lip balm
After exfoliating, it’s essential to apply lip balm to hydrate and protect your lips. Look for a lip balm that contains ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, or cocoa butter, like the Lysine + Herbs Lip Balm from 100% PURE, which can help to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. Apply lip balm regularly throughout the day, especially after eating or drinking, to keep your lips moisturized.
Tips for keeping your lips hydrated and healthy
In addition to exfoliating your lips, there are several other things you can do to keep them healthy and hydrated.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water can help to keep your lips hydrated from the inside out. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and more if you’re exercising or spending time in a dry environment.
Avoid licking your lips
When your lips are dry, it’s tempting to lick them to provide some temporary relief. However, this can actually make things worse, as saliva can further dry out your lips. Instead, reach for a lip balm to soothe dryness and prevent further chapping.
Protect your lips from the sun
Just like the rest of your skin, your lips are vulnerable to sun damage. Apply a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from harmful UV rays when you’re spending time outdoors.
Avoid harsh products
Some lip products, like matte lipsticks and long-wearing lip stains, can be drying and damaging to your lips. If you must use these products, make sure to exfoliate and moisturize your lips regularly. However, it’s highly recommended to use products with natural ingredients, like from the brand 100% PURE.
Use a humidifier
During the colder months, indoor heating can dry out the air, leading to dry, chapped lips. Using a humidifier can help to add moisture back into the air, which can benefit not only your lips but also your skin and respiratory system.
In conclusion, exfoliating your lips is an essential part of your skincare routine. It helps to remove dead skin cells, stimulate collagen production, and keep your lips healthy and hydrated. By choosing the right exfoliator, prepping your lips properly, and using a hydrating lip balm, you can enjoy soft, smooth lips all year round. Remember to also take care of your lips by drinking plenty of water, protecting them from the sun, avoiding harsh products, and using a humidifier when necessary.