So whether you're a teenager preparing for a dance or a senior looking for help to stay youthful, here are some tips for you!
1. Exfoliation
Chances are you've heard of exfoliation because it's such an important step in any beauty routine and one of the first things you want to do for your lips is remove dead skin cells, allowing healthier skin to surface.
Here's how:
- Use a lip scrub or make your own by mixing sugar with honey or olive oil. Gently massage it onto your lips in a circular motion for about a minute, then rinse off
- Alternatively, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to lightly brush your lips in a circular motion
Keep in mind, however, that you should only exfoliate your lips once or twice a week, as excessive exfoliation is a fast way for your lips to suffer irritation.
2. Healthy Diet
Yes, even your lips are affected by your diet. For example, a deficiency in B vitamins like B2 (riboflavin) can cause cracked lips.
So, you want to:
- Ensure you're getting an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins E and C
- Get plenty of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other healthy fluids
3. Sun Protection
Yes again. Your lips can also easily be damaged by the sun's UV rays. For example, darkened lips aren't reserved for smokers, the sun can darken your lips as well.
Use a lip balm that contains SPF to shield your lips from UV radiation. And don't forget to reapply it regularly, especially when spending time outdoors.
4. Lip Balm
Speaking of lip balm, they're a crucial tool in your quest for softer lips because applying them is one of the easiest ways to keep them moisturized. Plus, plenty of brands make lip balm with ingredients that are especially good for you.
Opt for a lip balm with natural ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil as they're the best at providing deep hydration. You want to avoid lip balms with ingredients like menthol or camphor, as they are drying and irritating. Apply lip balm throughout the day, especially after eating, drinking, or whenever you feel your lips getting dry.
Remember, individual preferences and skin types can vary, so it may take some experimentation to find the best lip care routine for you. Tailor these tips to your specific needs and make them a consistent part of your daily skincare routine to maintain soft and healthy lips. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to opt for fragrance-free lip balms as well to avoid irritation.
