When it comes to oral health, people often forget to include lip care in their list of essentials. But your lips deserve TLC, too! Neglecting them can lead to uncomfortable issues like dryness, cracking, and inflammation. And when they’re significantly damaged, they become more susceptible to infections like cold sores. Plus, lips can appear dull and discoloured or grey without proper upkeep.
Think of it this way: if eyebrows frame the eyes, lips do the same for your smile. Show your brows some love, and they’ll make your eyes pop. Likewise, treat your lips to a nourishing routine, and they can give your teeth a whole new look.
Ready to plump up your pout? Start by following this simple, three-step regimen, then keep it in tip-top shape with better oral care habits.
An Easy At-Home Lip Care Routine
What is the best way to take care of your lips? It helps to address underlying issues that may be causing trouble. For example, do you struggle with dry mouth? Talk to your doctor about it – the condition is notorious for causing chapped lips. For now, follow this three-step, at-home routine.
Step 1: Exfoliate
Exfoliation means buffing away dead skin cells on the surface to reveal the newer, healthier skin underneath. That’s why freshly exfoliated skin always glows! You can achieve the same effect on your pout using gentle lip treatments, like sugar scrubs. Here’s how to make a DIY version: combine brown sugar and a moisturising oil (i.e., coconut), mixing until you have a sandy texture. Done!
Use clean fingers to apply it directly to your lips and massage in circular motions for at least two minutes. Be careful not to rub too hard, especially when dealing with cracked areas. Rinse the mixture off with water, then pat dry. Post-exfoliation, your lips should feel soft and smooth to the touch.
Step 2: Moisturise
Lip balms contain supple hydrators, such as oils and butters, that restore moisture, heal, and keep your lips from drying out. Choose one with natural ingredients like ceramides, petrolatum, and shea butter for maximum comfort. Pure petroleum jelly is a safe, reliable option available in most pharmacies. There are also tinted variations if you’d like a subtle pop of colour and shine.
Lip balm is for everyone, but some options are better than others. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends avoiding products with irritants, especially if your lips are already sensitive. These no-nos include camphor, eucalyptus, and certain fragrances and flavourings. A good rule of thumb is if it tingles or burns, it shouldn’t be anywhere near sensitive or chapped skin.
Step 3: Protect
Ask any dermatologist, and they’ll tell you sunscreen is the be-all and end-all of skincare. Unfortunately, many forget to apply it over their mouth, exacerbating problems of dryness, uneven tone, and premature skin ageing in the area. Without sunscreen, you leave your lips vulnerable to harmful UV rays, which have even more dire consequences for your health.
So, never skip it again! Lip sunscreen usually takes the form of lip balms – they’re easy to swipe on and re-up throughout the day. Just be sure to look for one with SPF 30 or higher and broad-spectrum defence (to combat UVB and UVA rays) for adequate protection. Lastly, be diligent about reapplication, especially after meals or when swimming and spending time in direct sun.
5 Lip Tips That Improve Your Smile
Some habits that keep your mouth healthy can help maintain your lips, too. Here’s a helpful guide to the most beneficial practices.
Tip #1: Stay hydrated.
Are you wondering, “How can I nourish my lips naturally?” Besides investing in a few must-haves to assist with the task, you should also boost your water intake. Dehydration slows down saliva production, wreaking havoc on your lips and teeth. According to Australian Dietary Guidelines, adults should drink at least 2-3 litres of water daily. Of course, you’ll want to consult your doctor to determine the ideal amount for your body’s needs.
Tip #2: Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
According to an Applied Sciences study, tobacco and alcohol consumption are risk factors for oral cancer. Besides that, smoking can darken your natural lip colour – hence the term “smoker’s lips.” Meanwhile, alcoholic substances can be incredibly dehydrating, especially if you’re a frequent drinker.
Tip #3: Stop licking and biting your lips.
“When lips feel dry, it may feel natural to wet them by licking them,” explains the AAD. “But this can worsen the problem. As saliva evaporates, your lips become drier.” It’s hard to break the habit, especially when it’s second nature. Try weaning yourself off by applying lip balm whenever you feel like licking or biting your lips. At least you’d be nourishing them properly!
Tip #4: Consider using a humidifier.
Dry environments can draw hydration out of your skin, including your lips. A humidifier releases water vapour into the air, increasing and optimising moisture levels. It’s particularly helpful for those who breathe through their mouth when sleeping since it can keep the oral cavity from drying out.
Tip #5: Practise good oral health habits.
If your goal is a stunning smile, caring for your lips is only one part of the equation. You must brush and floss daily, see your dentist for regular checkups, and keep a balanced diet. You can also consider dental treatments, like ClearCorrect aligner therapy, to address any crookedness in your teeth. Clear aligners are a discreet, comfortable solution that’ll bring you closer to a brighter, healthier smile.
Make time for proper lip care, and your smile will be more dazzling, too. Follow these tips to jumpstart your new lip-loving routine!
References:
American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). (n.d.) 7 dermatologists’ tips for healing dry, chapped lips. aad.org.
Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Teeth and mouth care. Better Health Channel.
National Health and Medical Research Council. (n.d.). Water. Eat for Health.
Tenore, G., Nuvoli, A., Mohsen, A., Cassoni, A., Battisti, A., Terenzi, V., Della Monaca, M., Raponi, I., Brauner, E., De Felice, F., Musio, D., Di Gioia, C., Messineo, D., Mezi, S., Di Carlo, S., Botticelli, A., Valentini, V., Marchetti, P., Tombolini, V., . . . Romeo, U. (2020). Tobacco, alcohol and family history of cancer as risk factors of oral squamous cell carcinoma: Case-Control Retrospective Study. Applied Sciences, 10(11), 3896.
