Taking care of lips

The lips are very sensitive organs. They are most vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. They don’t have sebaceous glands like most parts of the skin for keeping them moist. These are microscopic glands that open into hair follicles present in the skin. They keep the skin moisturized and soft. People often lick their lips, which makes them dry even more. Licking may also lead to the production of yeast upon lips. This condition is known as angular chelitis. It causes pain and is present at the corners of the lips. In order to avoid this condition, one has to moisturize her lips every day. Using a moisturizing product in the form of lip balm is required.

Different lip care routines are suggested by dermatologists. But its two main parts include hydration and exfoliation. But exfoliation is only needed at extreme conditions of chapping and cracking.

Hydration
In order to keep one’s skin hydrated, dermatologists suggest the use of a lip balm. Lip balm can be used through an applicator or with the use of fingers. It can be applied overlap or at the corners. If one has to spend time outside and is directly exposed to the Sun, lip moisturizer with sunscreen is necessary. If needed, it should be applied at frequent intervals throughout the day. Normally, dermatologists suggest its use two to four times a day. But in the condition of extreme dryness or eczema, the usage may be increased.

Exfoliation
Exfoliation helps eliminate dry and flaking skin. It helps in restoring the smoothness, softness, and shine of our lips. It is most recommended to exfoliate lips at night time 1-2 times a week. It is an effective way to remove the dead skin layers. An effective scrub for exfoliation is a honey and sugar scrub. A soft toothbrush is used to gently exfoliate the lips. The exfoliating scrub is applied upon the fingertips in a small amount. It is then rubbed over the lips in circular motions for half a minute. The mixture is left upon lips for almost 10 minutes in order to allow the oils to get inside the lips. After 10 minutes, it’s rinsed with lukewarm water. Later, it’s dried with a towel and a protective balm is applied in order to moist it.

For additional lip health, they should be kept hydrated and biting of lips should be avoided. Also, it is necessary to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 upon lips in order to keep them safe from hazardous sun rays. Sun rays can cause precarious lesions, and lips are most vulnerable to these.

Lip care products can be also made through Do It Yourself recipes at home. Lip scrub and lip balm can be made through ingredients that are available at home or are easily accessible. Other than these, petroleum jelly, and aloe Vera are also great solutions for the moisturization of lips. Butter or ghee can be also applied at night. Lemon drops along with mint oil also work best in moisturizing lips.

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