Do you struggle with chapped, dry lips during the winter? Discover my top tips for plump and hydrated lips.
Itchiness, flaking, cracking, and even bleeding—we all know how much discomfort dry lips can cause. Achieving soft and hydrated lips can be a challenge, especially during winter. The harsh cold winds outside and the comfort of the warm air inside can leave your lips feeling dry and chapped. Although some dryness is inevitable, you do not have to endure dry lips all winter. Some easy fixes can help you tackle dry lips this winter. Here are my top tips to get soft, hydrated, and plump lips, even during the coldest months:
Apply a nourishing lip balm
The first and most vital advice for winter lip care is to keep your lips as hydrated as possible. Apply a generous amount of lip balm since the cold, dry winter air causes them to lose their natural moisture. I recommend using a lip balm with emollient properties to smooth the skin’s surface and act as an occlusive agent to seal in moisture. Are you wondering how to choose the right lip balm? In addition to castor oil and petroleum jelly formulations, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) recommends the following ingredients to effectively treat dry lips:
- Shea butter
- Ceramides
- Hemp seed oil
- Mineral oil
- Dimethicone
If you want that pop of colour without compromising on hydration, you can also opt for tinted balms as an alternative to lipsticks. Furthermore, your lips could burn just like your skin without adequate sun protection. So, I recommend choosing a lip balm with SPF–preferably one with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Exfoliate your lips
In the winter months, you must take special care of your pout. So, don’t forget to exfoliate–it is as vital as slathering your lips with a nourishing lip balm. I recommend using a gentle exfoliant regularly to keep your lips healthy and hydrated. Regular exfoliation sloughs off dead skin cells and promotes skin cell turnover, giving you a luscious pout. Another crucial point to keep in mind is to not go overboard with exfoliation. Exfoliating once a week is enough for your lips to look soft and healthy. Excessive exfoliation might dry out your lips and irritate your skin.
Avoid licking your lips
Are you guilty of licking your lips in hopes of keeping them moisturised? You must stop! While it may seem like an easy solution, this makes your lips even drier in the long run. Your lips get moisture from saliva, but the dry air quickly drains it, making them drier than before. Additionally, the enzymes in your saliva, which are meant to help digest food, can further irritate your lips. I also recommend refraining from touching your lips because doing so could spread bacteria from your hands to your lips.
You must also avoid picking your dry lips as it will lead to bleeding and blisters, thus leaving scars on your lips. So, instead of licking your lips whenever the impulse strikes, use lip balm.
Stay hydrated
Since we do not feel as thirsty during the winter days, hydration takes a back seat. Reduced intake of fluids is one of the main reasons for dry lips in winter. And, if your skin isn’t properly hydrated, no amount of lip care in the winter will yield results. Therefore, I recommend drinking plenty of water to keep your lips supple and free from chapping.
Schedule a consultation with me if you want more tips on how to keep your lips moisturised and healthy throughout the winter. Click here.