Dry, flaky and chapped lips can be very bothersome especially during the hot dry season. Exfoliating treatments can help exfoliate the dry, dead skin layer on the surface of the lips. Make your previously chapped lips moisturized and soft by exfoliating using a scrub or homemade ingredients, and by keeping them moisturized. You can even make a powerful exfoliant with just home ingredients!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making Natural Scrub
Step 1. Try using a sugar based scrub
Combine olive oil and sugar in equal proportions in a small bowl to make a paste. Make this paste near the sink so it doesn't get too messy. Use a soft, clean washcloth to massage this mixture onto the surface of your lips in a circular motion. Wash off the remaining mixture with warm (not hot) water. Cup your palms and splash water into your mouth until clean. Pat your lips dry then apply petroleum jelly or lip balm to moisturize your lips.
- You can use granulated or brown sugar, but don't use powdered sugar.
- Coconut oil is a tastier substitute for olive oil.
- The longer (and harder) you rub the sugar mixture over your lips, the more intense the exfoliation will be. Just rub this mixture for 1 minute at most. Exfoliating too much can actually make your lips sore and chapped.
- Oil based scrubs are suitable for dry skin as they are very moisturizing.
Step 2. Use a baking soda scrub
Mix baking soda with water to make a coarse paste. You may have to try mixing the two in different ratios. Use a clean washcloth or an old, soft, straight-bristled toothbrush to gently rub the paste onto your lips in a circular motion. Wash off with warm water, gently pat dry, then apply lip balm or petroleum jelly.
- Baking soda and water will not moisturize your lips at all. So, make sure to apply lip balm after you're done.
- This scrub is a great choice if the skin around your mouth is oily because it's not sticky.
Step 3. Use a honey and sugar scrub
Combine 1 part honey and 2 parts sugar in a small bowl. Apply on the lips in a circle. You can use your fingers as long as you wash your hands first, or a soft toothbrush, clean washcloth, or earplug. Let this paste sit for 2-3 minutes. Wash with warm water. Due to its very sticky texture, you may have to wash off any excess honey for a few minutes. Gently wipe the cloth on the lips, then apply moisturizer.
You can also leave this scrub overnight if you want. After applying the scrub, place a layer of tissue on the surface of the lips and press gently down. This layer works to prevent the honey scrub from getting on your face or sheets. Sleep in a supine position with your head up. Remove a layer of tissue in the morning, wash off any excess scrub, and moisturize your lips
Method 2 of 2: Exfoliating with Simple Products
Step 1. Use a toothbrush
Get an old toothbrush, preferably one with soft, straight bristles, then pour some petroleum jelly over the bristles. Rub the toothbrush over your lips in a circular motion. Leave the petroleum jelly on to restore moisture to your lips, or add more if it's almost completely removed.
- Don't use the same toothbrush to brush your teeth again. Store this toothbrush in a dry place to exfoliate. However, do not use it again for other things so as not to be contaminated.
- Use a children's toothbrush for sensitive lips. Children's toothbrushes are generally very soft.
- If you don't want to use a toothbrush, you can use a soft clean washcloth to do the same.
Step 2. Use lemon juice
Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of castor oil or glycerin. Apply this mixture on the surface of the lips and leave it for about 1 hour. Next, gently rub the mixture with a soft washcloth moistened with warm water. Moisturize your lips as usual.
This treatment is suitable for dry and chapped lips
Step 3. Treat and smooth the lips with oatmeal
Due to its granular texture, oatmeal can exfoliate your lips well while absorbing and removing dirt from your skin. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of oatmeal with 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of warm water or milk. Next, rub this mixture onto the surface of the lips in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes. After that, wash your lips with warm water and then cold water.
Step 4. Use rose petals
This treatment doesn't just sound romantic because rose petals can exfoliate as well as moisturize and make your lips look rosy. Soak a few rose petals in milk for about 3 hours. Once completely submerged, grind these flower petals to form a paste. You can use a pestle and mortar or just the back of a spoon to do this. After smooth, apply rose paste on your lips evenly.
Rose flower paste is a gentle exfoliating and moisturizing ingredient that is beneficial for sensitive skin
Step 5. Purchase a commercial exfoliating product
There are many lip scrubs available in the market, for example LUSH lip scrub and e.l.f lip exfoliator. Look for products that contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera or shea butter and avoid salicylic acid, which is too strong for the lips. Use new products with care, just rub them gently into your lips and avoid over-exfoliating.
Stop using the product if your lips feel irritated after using it
Tips
- If your lips feel dry, use a lip balm or lip balm. Try not to lick your lips as this can make them even more dry. Carrying lip balm or moisturizing lipstick throughout the day will do you good.
- Try making a multi-flavored lip scrub with a variety of fruits like kiwi, lime, and watermelon.
- Olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil are safe to use for exfoliating lips.
- Try adding a drop of an essential oil like peppermint or vanilla to your homemade scrub.
Warning
- Don't over-exfoliate your lips. Exfoliating your lips too often or too vigorously can make your lips dry, sore, and chapped. Just exfoliate your lips once a week, or less often if your lips are sensitive.
- Do not use a washcloth or toothbrush on dry lips. Always use it with a scrub or petroleum jelly by rubbing it gently in circular motions.
