Longtime readers of this blog know that we love lips. They’re great for talking, eating and kissing, three of this writer’s personal greatest loves. They are also incredibly sensitive, which is both good and bad. Lips require special care, for reasons we’re about to get into, and that means there are things that you should and shouldn’t do to your lips. Think about all the things your lips do for you, and thank them by giving them the best!
You should use lip balm, basically as often as you can think to. You know those tubes of lip balm that get lost before the end of the winter? You’re losing them because you’re not using it enough! Your lips don’t produce oil, so you need to moisturize them through external means. You’ll want a balm that seals in moisture and closes off cracks and splits. You might see lip balm be called ointment, and that’s just as good; if you have any questions about the ingredients in your lip balm, ask your dermatologist, though WebMD has a handy list.
You should apply the lip balm before you go out into extreme temperatures, before you get on with your day, before you move your lips. Applying lip balm after your lips have already grown dry or chapped is a bit too late; it’s better than not applying it, of course, but the elements have already had a negative effect!
You should protect your lips, especially when it’s cold. This is less of a problem where we set up shop, but if you go back to see relatives in colder climes, you’ll definitely want to wrap a scarf or other fabric around your lips to keep them warm.
You should drink a lot of water. Honestly, stop reading this and go grab yourself a glass now, if you don’t have one. Water keeps your whole body more hydrated, lips included, so you can’t go wrong by drinking more!
Don’t lick your lips. Saliva will actually dry them out more, so even though it gives you a sense of sweet relief, your tongue is actually a moisture vampire. Opt to use lip balm instead!
Don’t peel away at flaking skin. Like running the tongue over the lips, this can give you a sense of relief, but it’s doing more damage to your lips in the long run. They’ll become more irritated over time, and this can open wounds, causing bleeding and potentially infection. The same rule goes for biting your lips.
When you’re having lip problems, don’t wait too long to go see a doctor! When you’ve tried your best to care for your lips by using balm, covering them in extreme temperatures and humidifying them, but you still find they’re overly dry, there may be an underlying problem. Your dermatologist will be able to help you figure out what it is, and find a solution. Over time, even lips that have been pampered to perfection will start to lose their elasticity; fortunately, Beverly Hills lip filler procedures will have your lips looking perfectly plump in no time!
