6 Tips For Healthier Lips
We put different products in our hair and over our skin to make them look good and healthy, but our lips are often overlooked. However, they need just as much care- if not even more. Because the lips contain no oil and sweat glands, they are more vulnerable to damage caused by various irritants, such as environmental pollutants, the weather, and our tongue.
By following these tips, you can erase and prevent any of this damage and achieve softer, healthier, and more beautiful lips!
Choose the Right Lip Balm.
It is important to choose a lip balm that both moisturizes and protects your lips. Look for lip balms that contain all-natural, moisturizing ingredients, such as shea butter, avocado oil, coconut oil, or beeswax. Also, those with SPF will protect the sensitive skin of your lips from harsh sun rays.
Avoid lip balms that contain mentol. While menthol can give your lips an enjoyable cooling sensation, it also tends to dry them out. A great alternative to mentol is peppermint oil, which will give your lips the same cool feeling while still leaving them moisturized.
Also, fragranced lip balms- while they taste great- can actually further irritate the lips.
Exfoliate.
As with the skin on your face and body, you should exfoliate your lips as well. Exfoliation removes dull, lifeless skin cells that have built up and reveals the healthier underlying skin. In addition, exfoliated lips can better absorb moisture and therefore, will stay softer longer.
You can purchase lip scrubs or make your own. Here is a recipe to make your own honey lip scrub, according to Become Gorgeous.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- a few drops of olive oil
Directions:
Mix the honey and baking soda until a smooth paste is formed.
Apply the mixture on your lips and leave it on for a few minutes then gently rub the lips to remove dead skin.
Drink plenty of water.
Being dehydrated makes your lips dry, so drinking a sufficient amount will keep them hydrated and healthy. It is recommended to drink six to eight glasses of water each day.
In addition, decrease your intake of diuretics, such as coffee and tea. These drinks can have a drying effect on your lips.
Eat a healthy diet.
A well-balanced diet can also keep your lips looking soft and healthy. Eating foods that are particularly rich in vitamins A and E keeps your skin (including that of your lips) moisturized and also minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. These foods include:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Milk
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Fish
- Sweet potatoes
- Certain fruits, such as cantaloupe and apricots
- Avocados
- Whole grain cereals
Do not lick your lips.
Because saliva evaporates quickly, licking your lips only causes them to dry out further. Moreover, the enzymes in the saliva that help digest food and keep your mouth clean are very harsh on your lips.
Avoid breathing with your mouth open.
Breathing with an open mouth will dry out your lips as well. Instead, try inhaling and exhaling through your nose.
