Essential Lip Care Tips for Healthier Lips

A person with her hands on her face

All About the Lips

The eyes may be the window to the soul, but lips are close behind in terms of being an expressive, important feature. Plump, pink lips are an indication of youth and vitality, but lips that aren’t properly cared for can show signs of ill health, harsh weather, or advancing age. Giving your lips some TLC can help keep them soft, supple, and kissable, and this prominent feature can say plenty without speaking a word. Here, we offer some tips to nurture your lips, keeping them healthy and beautiful, no matter your age or the season.

Taking Care of Lips

There are certain things you can do to take care of your lips, all on your own.

Keep them hydrated. You know that hydration is important for your entire body, but for your lips, it is especially vital. Because the lips have no oil glands, they dry out more easily than other parts of your body, and need the support of proper hydration. Drink water throughout the day, to give your lips the moisture they need to stay supple and plump.
Nourish them with a nutritious diet. A balanced diet, full of vitamins and antioxidants, is as good for your lips as it is for your overall health. Eating fruits, vegetables, and nuts can provide the right nutrients for skin health and repair, and this includes the skin on your lips.
Protect them by leading a healthy lifestyle. Some habits can cause lip dryness, including mouth breathing, which dries the lips. Try breathing through your nose, and you may see improvement. Additionally- and this is bad news for all the Stanley cup girlies- drinking through a straw or a water bottle with a spout causes wrinkles around the lips because of the continual pursing when you take a drink. However, the worst possible habit for lip health, aside from overexposure to UV radiation, is smoking. Add this to the list of reasons to stop smoking: it causes wrinkles around the lips.
Shield your lips from the sun. You know the importance of wearing sunscreen, but do you apply sunscreen to your lips? Using a UV protective sunscreen like EltaMD® UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 31 can protect your lips from ultraviolet radiation while also moisturizing them and providing them with antioxidants that absorb free radicals.
Gently exfoliate to keep lips smooth. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and reveal fresh, healthy skin, but the lips are very delicate, so they need special care. Once a week, exfoliate with a gentle product, to keep lips smooth and remove rough patches. If you use a chemical exfoliant, look for one designed for lips, containing lactic, mandelic, or glycolic acid. If you choose a physical exfoliant, use one with small granules of something gentle and natural, like sugar, perhaps mixed with honey, which has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties.
Be mindful of the products you use. Certain skincare products contain ingredients that can cause lip dryness and damage. Vitamin A, eucalyptus, menthol, camphor, salicylic acid, and propyl gallate are all ingredients to avoid for healthy lips. Look for products that are hydrating or moisturizing, which contain healing, lip-plumping ingredients like hyaluronic acid, atelocollagen, marine filling spheres, or collagen-boosting peptides.
Give your lips moisture, but don’t lick them! When your lips feel parched, it can be tempting to give them a lick. Don’t do it! Licking your lips actually takes moisture away from the mouth, because the saliva evaporates, leaving your lips dryer than before. Instead of licking them, use lip balm to protect them and keep them moist. Ingredients like castor seed oil, hemp seed oil, mineral oil, petrolatum, shea butter, and white petroleum jelly are all good for locking in moisture. You can also use a humidifier at home to help keep your lips moist, but if you are still struggling with chapped lips, talk to your dermatologist. Chapped lips can be a symptom of a deeper issue, like actinic cheilitis, which can be a precursor to cancer.

How a Dermatologist Can Help Improve the Look of Your Lips

If, despite your best efforts, your lips still are not what you want them to be, a dermatologist can help. Lips that are thin, damaged by sun exposure, or showing their age can be treated with minimally invasive procedures that will enhance them and help them look their best. At Swinyer-Woseth, we offer injectable fillers, which can define, smooth, and volumize lips, while at the same time keeping their natural look. With fillers like Juvederm and Belotero can smooth lines and wrinkles and enhance the look of your lips.

Get Your Perfect Pout with Swinyer-Woseth

When you’re looking for a dermatologist to improve the look of your lips, look to Swinyer-Woseth Dermatology. Committed to providing superior, professional skin care in a manner that’s practical, efficient, and compassionate, we have the knowledge and skill not only to treat your skin but also to recommend skincare products to help you care for your skin at home. With over 30 years of experience providing dermatological services in Salt Lake City, we provide a variety of services, from cosmetic skincare to treatment for skin cancer. Our team of board-certified dermatologists and licensed cosmetic service providers are here to provide you with the care you need in a comfortable, professional atmosphere. Call (801) 682-4715 or contact us through our website.