We all want soft and shiny lips, but sometimes not everyone has the soft lips they want. If cold, harsh weather or bad habits make your lips dry and discolored, try some of these suggestions to improve the look and texture of your lips.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Applying lip balm
Step 1. Apply moisturizing lip balm every day
Use a balm that contains shea butter or cocoa butter for best results. Make sure to reapply it as often as possible throughout the day when your lips start to feel dry (usually about every two hours).
- Apply lip balm every morning before other lip products you use, such as lipstick, lip gloss, and lip stain.
- Choose the product that sounds most appealing to your condition. Some lip balms are medicated and others contain strong mint extracts which may be irritating to some people. Read the label on the lip balm before buying it to make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients.
- The most common lip balm brands include: Bees Burt, Blistex, Carmex, Chapstick, CO Bigelow, Nivea, Softlips, EOS, and Banana Boat.
Step 2. Avoid lip balms with fragrances, flavors, or dyes
This can actually dry out the lips or potentially cause irritation in some sensitive users. Choose a lip balm with all-natural ingredients (no chemicals) that are free of unwanted additives.
Step 3. Apply moisturizing lipstick
Some well-known makeup brands offer a range of moisturizing lip balms such as Clinique, Jouer, Dior, Benefit, Revlon, Bobbi Brown, and Laura Mercier brands.
- If you are more inclined to drug store products than department stores, simply look for lipstick labels that claim to be moisturizing.
- Check the ingredients list and look for shea extract or cocoa butter, as well as other types of moisturizing oils such as coconut and/or olive oil.
Step 4. Use a product that contains at least SPF 15 to avoid sun damage
Your lips are very susceptible to sun damage and sun damage. Make sure to wear lip protection when going out.
Method 2 of 3: Exfoliate and Condition Your Lips
Step 1. Rub sugar on your lips
You can use any abrasive food product, but avoid using irritating ingredients like salt that will dry out your lips.
Step 2. Make a scrub from honey, sugar and olive oil
Mix one tablespoon of honey with two teaspoons of sugar and one teaspoon of olive oil. Rub this mixture on your lips and let it sit for a few minutes.
Step 3. Make a conditioner out of coconut and orange oil
Combine 2 teaspoons coconut oil, 3 drops lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon beeswax in a small saucepan and melt over low heat, stirring constantly. You can also use lime if you don't have lemon juice. Pour the mixture into a glass container and allow it to cool and harden. Apply it to your lips like you would apply a lip balm.
Step 4. Rub butter, neem oil, ghee (refined butter), or milk cream on your lips before going to bed
These ingredients are very rich moisturizers and deeply moisturize the lips, which is especially helpful in relieving chapped lips. Clean your lips in the morning.
Step 5. Make a paste with baking soda and water and rub it onto your lips
Let it harden, then rinse with water.
Step 6. Apply aloe vera gel to reddened, chapped, and/or sunburned lips
Aloe vera is very soothing and helps you remove sun damage.
Step 7. Rub cucumber slices on your lips
The phytochemicals in cucumber can tighten the collagen in your lips, making them look fuller and hydrated. Massage your lips for a few minutes with freshly cut cucumber slices.
Step 8. Use a toothbrush to apply any of the above scrubs for a stronger exfoliation
Just use a soft or medium bristled toothbrush to avoid chafing your lips. You can also just use warm water or a toothbrush to spread the exfoliating scrub over your lips.
Method 3 of 3: Practice Good Habits
Step 1. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day
One of the best things you can do for your lips, even for your skin in general, is to make sure to drink plenty of water. Water will not only hydrate your body, but it will also nourish your skin and promote new cell growth. In fact, dry lips can be a sign that your body is not getting the amount of water it needs.
Step 2. Refrain from licking your lips
While this may be counterintuitive, wetting your lips with saliva actually actually makes them dry.
Step 3. Try not to bite your lip
If you like to bite your lip when you're nervous or subconsciously, try chewing gum instead. Biting your lips causes them to crack and can cause open sores that may need to be treated with antibiotics.
Step 4. Eat a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables
Foods that contain vitamins B and C are very good for your skin. Consider taking supplements if your diet or diet does not contain this vitamin. Omega 3 fatty acids are also very good for your skin and can be found in foods like fish, avocados, and almonds. You can also take omega 3 supplements every day.
Warning
- Don't use cheap, flavored lip balms as they can dry out your lips and you might be tempted to lick them.
- Try not to lick your lips as saliva will dry them out.
- Throw away any lip balm you've had a year or so on. Lip balm can contain bacteria.
- Don't apply multiple lip products in layers at once. And make sure to give your lips time to breathe.
- Don't share your lip balm with other people because that can spread germs.
- Don't brush your lips too hard, or you'll get chapped and sore lips.
