How to Take Care of Your Lips?

By Dr. Nirvana S. Pillay, Medical Scientist and Founder of Nirvana Natural Bliss

Your lips are one of the most important features of your face. They are not only used for eating, speaking and expressing emotions but also add to the overall aesthetic appeal of your face. However, unlike the rest of your skin, your lips don't have the same protective layer of oil and sweat glands. This makes them more vulnerable to dryness, chapping, cracking, and other forms of irritation. In this blog, we will explore why your lips need special care and how you can take care of them to keep them healthy, soft, and smooth.

The skin on your lips is different from the rest of your body:

The skin on your lips is much thinner and more delicate than the skin on the rest of your body. This makes it more vulnerable to damage from the elements, such as wind, sun, and cold temperatures. Additionally, the skin on your lips doesn't have the same protective layer of oil and sweat glands that the rest of your skin has. This means that your lips are more prone to dryness, chapping, cracking, and other forms of irritation.

Unlike the rest of your body, your lips are always exposed to the elements. Whether it's the wind, sun, or cold temperatures, your lips are constantly exposed to the environment. This means that they are more susceptible to damage from these external factors. In addition, people tend to lick their lips when they feel dry, which can actually make the problem worse. This is because the saliva evaporates quickly, leaving the lips even drier than before.

The skin on the rest of your body has its own natural protection in the form of oil and sweat glands. These glands produce natural oils and moisture that keep the skin soft and hydrated. However, your lips don't have these glands, which means that they don't have their own natural protection. This is why it's important to take extra care of your lips to ensure that they stay hydrated and healthy.

How to Take Care of Your Lips

Use a Lip Balm or a Petroleum-free jelly:

Using a lip balm is one of the easiest ways to take care of your lips. A good lip balm will help to moisturise your lips and keep them hydrated. Look for a lip balm that contains natural ingredients like soyawax, shea butter, and coconut oil. These ingredients will help to lock in moisture and prevent your lips from drying out.

Protect Your Lips from the Sun:

Just like the rest of your skin, your lips can be damaged by the sun's harmful UV rays. This can lead to dryness, chapping, and even skin cancer. To protect your lips from the sun, use a lip balm that contains SPF. 

Avoid Licking Your Lips:

Licking your lips may provide temporary relief from dryness, but it can actually make the problem worse. This is because saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips even drier than before. Instead, use a lip balm to moisturise your lips and prevent them from drying out.

Don't Bite Your Lips:

Biting your lips can also cause them to become dry, cracked, and sore. It can also lead to infection and bleeding. If you find yourself biting your lips, try to break the habit by keeping your lips moisturised with a lip balm.

Stay Hydrated:

Drinking plenty of water is essential for keeping your lips hydrated. When your body is dehydrated, your lips can become dry and chapped. Make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your body hydrated.

Exfoliate Your Lips:

Just like the rest of your skin, your lips can benefit from regular exfoliation. This helps to remove dead skin cells and promote healthy cell turnover. You can use a lip scrub or make your own by mixing sugar with a moisturising oil like coconut oil or olive oil. Gently massage the mixture onto your lips in a circular motion and then rinse with warm water.

Avoid Harsh Products:

Many lip products, such as lipsticks and glosses, contain harsh chemicals that can irritate and dry out your lips. To avoid this, look for products that are free of fragrances, dyes, and other potentially irritating ingredients. You can also opt for natural and organic products that are gentler on your lips.

Keep Your Lips Moisturised Overnight:

Your lips can become even drier overnight, so it's important to keep them moisturised while you sleep. Apply a generous amount of lip balm to your lips before bed to help lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

Seek Medical Attention for Persistent Lip Problems:

If you have persistent lip problems, such as chronic dryness or cracking, it's important to seek medical attention. This could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as an allergy or infection. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your lip problems and recommend the appropriate treatment.

In conclusion, your lips are a delicate part of your body that requires special care. Due to their thin and delicate skin, constant exposure to the environment, and lack of natural protection, your lips are more prone to dryness, chapping, and other forms of irritation. However, by taking good care of your lips, you can keep them healthy, soft, and smooth. This includes using a lip balm, protecting your lips from the sun, avoiding licking and biting your lips, staying hydrated, exfoliating your lips, avoiding harsh products, keeping your lips moisturised overnight, and seeking medical attention for persistent lip problems. With a little extra care, you can have healthy, beautiful lips that enhance your overall appearance and well-being.