How to Exfoliate Dry Lips: Simple Tricks to Never Have Chapped Lips Again

Do you frequently suffer from chapped, dry lips regardless of the time of year that you just can’t remove regardless of the amount of lip balm you treat it with? If so, then you’re in the right spot. As fellow sufferers of similar issues to you are, we’re able to tell you this : the issue is that you’re not cleansing your lips sufficiently. There are a myriad of videos that show you how to cleanse your lips, however failing to follow the correct procedure could cause more harm than good.

“Our lip is a delicate organ. Unlike the skin that covers other different parts of our bodies it is a little bit deficient with none of the stratum corneum (outermost protection barrier). ),”, Dermatologist and Cosmetologist. Founder, Skin Soul Clinic. “When the lips are exfoliated, we rid ourselves of this layer that is also known as dead skin. Since the lips do not contain this layer, one must be cautious when exfoliating,” she adds, which is why it’s crucial to understand how to exfoliate your lips correctly. To make it easier to understand the process, we’ve broken it down into a series of steps to make sure you don’t have to search “how to cleanse your lips” whenever you notice flake-like skin on your lips.

What causes dryness of Lips?

A variety of environmental factors can be to blame for dryness and chapping of the lips. According Dr. Thadani, the most common causes are dehydration, drinking extreme hot drinks that cause tiny burns and cause darkening or pigmentation of the lips when applying matte lipsticks and not having a dedicated regimens for lip care. “Another significant reason for dry lips is that they are licking frequently. This is known as lip licker’s dermatitis , and is the result of damage resulted by saliva that is caused by frequent licking,” she adds.

Tips for a successful day: In order to prevent chapping due to matte lipsticks, you must always apply a primer. It is also essential to clean any leftover lipstick off prior to going to go to bed. A good amount of water intake is a fantastic method to ensure that your lips stay well-hydrated.

How to Cleanse Your Lips

There are a variety of methods for lip exfoliation, which people claim are efficient. The doctor Dr. Thadani broadly classifies the methods for lip exfoliation in two categories: the physical (or mechanical) and chemical.

A. Physical Exfoliation

Physical exfoliation requires using scrubs or other devices to mechanically remove the flaky portion of the skin. The two most popular methods of physical exfoliation include lips scrubs and a brush with soft bristles.

Mechanical Exfoliation with an Toothbrush

This is the most efficient method for exfoliating the lips that involves using the brush in gentle circular motions on the lips to remove of chapped skin.

Before you exfoliate, make sure your lips are spotless. Take off any lipsticks or gloss. Cleanse your lips in warm water, and gently rub them dry.

Use a soft brush gently on your lips, making small circles however, be careful not to cause irritation or break your skin.

Apply a second coat of lip balm then apply a light layer lipstick balm or other moisturiser.

Physical Exfoliation using the DIY Lip Scrub

Ingredients:

3 tsp of granulated sugar

1/2 tsp honey

1/2 teaspoon olive oil (or any other oil you like)

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients in an ice-cream maker to create an almost-runny paste.

2. Use a small amount of the DIY formula on your fingers and spread it evenly over your lips.

3. With your fingers, rub your lips with an upward motion for 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Let the paste sit for a few minutes and then carefully wipe it off or wash it away.

5. Apply the balm for your lips or other moisturizing product.

B. Chemical Exfoliation

Similar to chemical peels for facial skin, the process of exfoliation of lips too involves making use of chemical formulations. As per Dr. Thadani, mild AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) are the best choice for exfoliating the lips. Although it’s a process which requires a visit to the doctor’s office Chemical peels have been found to be gentler on lips because they don’t carry the risk of breaking your skin as is the case with mechanical exfoliation. They simply scrape away dead cells, revealing soft, fuller and more radiant lips. Apply hydrating lip balm or oil to maintain smoother lips after a few sessions.

Because the lips’ skin has less layers so the peels we use for the face and other parts of our body are too harsh on our lips. But an easy peel may result in instant effects.

Pro Tip: Just exfoliating your lips isn’t enough. It is essential to maintain an effective routine for your daily lip care. The ideal time to perform this is prior to bed. Cleanse any makeup off your lips, and apply hydrating masks for the night. Always apply primers prior to applying lipsticks, particularly in the case of matte finishes.

How often to exfoliate lips?

While exfoliating the lips to maintain their dead skin is a good idea, too much exfoliation can cause harm on the appearance of the skin. “There are many factors in determining the frequency at which you should cleanse your lips, like humidity and weather situations,” says Dr. Thadani. “It is also dependent on your routine practice of lip care, use of makeup and your lifestyle. However, I recommend exfoliating your lips one or every month, and slowly increasing the amount of exfoliation until you don’t notice any adverse effects.”

A tip to avoid constantly kissing our lips is among of the most significant causes of dry lips. To avoid chapping too much it is crucial to reduce the habit or become conscious of it.

Questions and Answers about Caring for Lips

Q. What can I do to cleanse my skin at home?

A. Physical exfoliation can be accomplished at home in two ways simple:

1. Apply a soft brush to lightly damp lips, and then move it slowly in a circular motion.

2. Utilizing granulated sugar, honey and oil, mix to create an oil-based paste. Rub it lightly over your lips in circular motions.

Cleanse your lips, then apply an application of lip balm or another moisturizer.

Q. How often do you need to cleanse your lips?

A. Based on Dr. Thadani, it is recommended to cleanse your lips at least at least once or twice a month and gradually increase the frequency.

Q. How do I take care of my lips?

1. Cleanse your lips twice per month.

2. Get rid of any remnants of lipstick on lips before going to bed. Use an overnight hydrating masque.

3. If you’re using lipstick, be sure to apply primer.

4. Select lip balms that contain at least SPF 15 with no scent and without flavor.

5. Avoid licking your lips.