10 Tips for Taking Care of Your Lips
We generally follow a strict routine for our skin care, hair care, makeup, and all. But often, we neglect our lips, and the result is dry, chapped, and cracked lips! The reasons can be many – it can be the weather that you live in or even the harsh products that you put on. That is why proper lip care is as necessary as taking care of the other parts. Here, we have put together some simple tips to make your lips healthy from the inside and make them glossy from the outside.
Drink lots of water
Drinking lots of water keeps your body and lips hydrated. Dehydration can cause dry, flaky lips. To keep your body hydrated, consume eight glasses of water or more every day. Hydrated lips appear softer, fuller and are less prone to irritation or breakage.
Gently exfoliate
Exfoliate your lips once or twice a week with a sugar scrub or a soft toothbrush. This eliminates dead skin cells and promotes smoother lips. Take care not to exfoliate your skin too much as this could cause irritation. Apply a lip balm to restore moisture after exfoliating.
Wet your lips and apply a balm
Choose a lip balm that contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or beeswax. Use it often, especially when brushing your teeth or after eating. A quality balm keeps lips nourished and shields them from the weather. Avoid those that contain artificial perfumes or drying chemicals like menthol.
Protect your face from sunlight
Similar to skin, lips can get sunburned. Use lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher before venturing outside. Sun exposure can cause lip darkening and premature aging. Reapply every few hours to ensure continuous protection, particularly during the summer or while participating in outdoor activities.
Also Read: Benefits of Using Multani Mitti
Don’t lick
Your mouth’s saliva rapidly evaporates and leaves your lips drier than before. Additionally, repeated licking exposes them to enzymes that break down skin. If your lips are feeling dry, apply lip balm. You can protect the natural oils, moisture, and general health of your lips by renouncing this behavior.
Give up using harmful lip creams
Avoid using glosses and lipsticks that include harsh chemicals or strong scents. Sensitive lips may become dry and peel as a result. Choose products that are hypoallergenic or that have been tested by dermatologists.
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Keep consuming nutritious foods
Your lips are a reflection of your overall diet. Lack of vitamins like B, C, and E can cause chapped or discolored lips. Consume a diet rich in foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables.
Avoid biting or tearing your lips
Biting or peeling your lips can cause bleeding, infection, and scarring. It hurts you over time, even if it feels fantastic at first. Use a calming balm to gently exfoliate tough regions without causing harm.
Use a humidifier inside your home
Dry indoor air can cause your lips to become dehydrated, especially in the winter. Use a humidifier to maintain the proper moisture content of the air in your house. You can prevent the dryness and cracking caused by extreme indoor heating or cooling by maintaining hydration in your lips and skin.
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Apply lip masks at night
The best time for intense lip hydration is at night. Before going to bed, use a thick balm or nourishing lip mask to restore damage and seal in moisture. This can help you to soften and renew your lips.
Lip care routine for women
Morning routine
Cleanse your lips gently with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh soaps or cleansers that can dry out your lips.
Exfoliate (2–3 times a week)
Use a mild lip scrub or a mix of sugar and honey to rub gently in circular motions. Then rinse it with water and pat it dry.
Apply hydrating lip balm with SPF
Use a balm with natural moisturizers like shea butter or coconut oil. Look for SPF 15 or higher to protect your lips against sun damage.
Choose lip-friendly makeup
Please go for hydrating, non-toxic, and non-drying lipsticks or glosses.
Reapply lip balm regularly
Carry a pocket-sized balm for convenience and apply it after an interval.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your lips moisturized from the inside.
Also Read: Rice Water for Skin
Lip care for men
1. Clean Your Lips Daily
- Wash your face and lips with lukewarm water.
- Use a soft towel to gently pat your lips dry.
- Avoid soap or face wash on the lips as they can cause dryness.
2. Exfoliate 1–2 Times a Week
- Use a natural scrub: mix sugar with a drop of honey or olive oil.
- Gently rub in circular motions to remove dead skin.
- Rinse and apply lip balm immediately after.
3. Use a Good Lip Balm
- Pick a non-glossy, fragrance-free lip balm with natural ingredients like shea butter or beeswax.
- Reapply during the day, especially after meals or exposure to wind or sun.
4. Stay Hydrated
- Drink at least 6–8 glasses of water daily.
- Dehydration is one of the main causes of dry, chapped lips in men.
5. Avoid Lip-Licking & Biting
- Saliva dries out your lips faster and biting damages the skin.
- Apply balm when you feel the urge to lick or chew.
6. Protect from Harsh Weather
- In cold, windy, or sunny conditions, use a lip balm with SPF to prevent sunburn or windburn.
- Shield your lips during outdoor activities like biking or running.
7. Avoid Smoking
- Smoking can darken lips and cause long-term dryness.
- If quitting isn’t an option yet, be extra diligent with hydration and lip care.
8. Nighttime Repair
- Before bed, apply a thick layer of lip balm or natural oils like coconut or almond oil.
- Let it soak in overnight for soft, repaired lips by morning.
9. Choose Lip-Safe Grooming Products
- When shaving or using aftershave, avoid contact with lips.
- Some products contain alcohol or menthol, which dry out lip skin.
10. Eat a Balanced Diet
- Include foods rich in vitamins B, C, and E.
- Good nutrition helps your lips stay naturally pink, healthy, and moisturized.
5 Natural products to take care of your lips
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural emollient that deeply moisturizes and soothes dry, cracked lips. It is rich in fatty acids and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. To keep your lips nourished and smooth, dab a small amount on them multiple times throughout the day.
Also Read: Cold Pressed Coconut Oil Benefits and More
Honey
Honey is a natural humectant because it draws moisture to the skin. It is a great remedy for chapped lips because of its antibacterial properties. Apply a tiny bit of unprocessed honey to your lips, wait 10 to 15 minutes, and then gently lick or rinse it off.
Also Read: Honey: Medicinal Properties and Uses
Shea butter
Shea butter is a rich source of vitamins A and E, which nourish and shield the lips. It helps create a barrier that retains moisture and calms dry, irritated skin. To stay hydrated all night, dab a little bit on your lips, especially shortly before bed.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera’s soothing and healing properties make it the perfect remedy for burnt or sore lips. It also contains antioxidants and enzymes that help repair damaged skin. Use pure aloe vera gel, preferably directly from the plant, for soothing lip therapy.
Beeswax
Beeswax forms a natural barrier on your lips to shield them from the weather and retain moisture. It is also high in vitamin A and anti-inflammatory. Combine it with oils such as almond or coconut oil to create your own DIY lip balm.