Let’s talk lip care! At CureSkin, we are firm believers of self-love and that you are perfect just the way you are. We do not believe in conforming to societal norms or conceptions of what is beautiful and what isn’t. Our belief is that you decide what is beautiful.
If you ask us, you are beautiful.
The beauty industry has created a specific definition of what one’s lips should look like or what should be desired by all. However, we say the health of your lips is more imperative.
So let’s explore the different ways in which we can provide nourishment and care to our lips.
Let’s begin with identifying common issues that we face with our lips.
Dry Lips
Our lips are the most fragile part of our face. They have fewer layers of skin cells and therefore are affected by the outside environment very quickly. Dry lips are something that most people struggle with. The cause for this is a lack of hydration caused by not drinking enough water, cold and dry weather, sun exposure or even excessively licking your lips.
Chapped Lips
You end up with chapped lips when you don’t take care of your lips properly or have an allergic reaction to something. Chapped lips are most common in the winter and can result in cuts, inflammation and even bleeding of lips. It is not the most convenient thing to end up with, so it is best to take care of your lips! Rich hydration with ingredients such as shea butter, castor oil, or fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products can significantly help this situation.
Dark Lips
In India, this is quite a common issue. Sometimes dark lips are a hereditary matter in line with your complexion. Other reasons for dark lips include discolouration from exposure to the sun, lip biting, sucking, or picking at them constantly. Smoking also causes the darkening of the gums and lips. Certain medications can cause spots and darkness. Hyperpigmentation can cause the lips to darken too. To help with this, you can use a lip balm with SPF to protect your face when exposed to the sun, avoid smoking and check with your dermatologist about any medications that could be causing reactions.
Swollen Lips
Swollen lips are usually a product of an allergic reaction or an insect bite. The allergic reactions can be caused by food items, medications or even certain ingredients in your lip products. In case of swollen lips, please consult your doctor or dermatologist to narrow down the possibility of an allergy.
Products you can use to take care of your lips.
Lip Balm
Well, lip balm is your standard method to hydrate your lips every day. Everyone uses it, and if you don’t, then buy some right now! A good lip balm with nourishing properties should be used on a daily basis whenever your lips feel dry. Using a lip balm with an SPF can help protect it against the sun and UV rays. Since your lips don’t have sebaceous glands, they don’t produce their own natural oils and protection. Therefore, they need you to give them that extra protection and hydration by using lip balm.
Lip Scrub
Lip scrubs are usually made out of natural ingredients and work the same way face scrubs do. They exfoliate your lips and get rid of dead skin, peeling skin and dryness. Scrubs also make your lips soft and shiny. It is essential to follow a lip scrub with a decent amount of lip balm to give back the moisture that the scrub may have taken away. When using a lip scrub, be gentle as your lips are soft and delicate and need your gentle touch. Lip scrubs can be used similarly to face scrubs and therefore applied once or twice a week.
Lip Masks and Patches
Lip masks are an excellent way to give your lips the overnight nourishment they may need. They provide long-lasting hydration, heal damaged skin on your lips and revive them. Ingredients like Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants are what you should look for in a lip mask. Nowadays, you also have lip patches that you put on your lips like a face sheet mask. These can also be beneficial in providing moisture and keeping your lips supple. Lip masks and patches can be used twice a week.
Water!
The best way to keep your body, skin and lips healthy is to hydrate yourself properly! That means drinking lots of water, even if it has you running to the loo every 15 minutes. Trust us; you won’t regret it. And most importantly, your lips will thank you!
The silver lining
We know the struggles of dry lips can be hard. With a little care, you can achieve all your lip goals regardless of their shape, size and thickness. Hopefully, you love your lips exactly the way they are because there is no reason that you shouldn’t!
We believe in you.
FAQ’s
1. How do I protect my lips from makeup?
Using an effective lip primer or a hydrating lip balm before applying any kind of lipstick or other lip product can help protect them from harsh ingredients and dehydration to an extent. Always test your product first to make sure you are not allergic to it.
2. How do I take care of my lips?
The methods mentioned above are great ways to start a lip care routine. Additionally, keep in mind the following:
- Always take your makeup off when you come home, especially before bed.
- Avoid using products that are harsh.
- Moisturise your lips as often as you can.
- Choose the right products by picking the right ingredients or asking a doctor.
3. Should I brush my lips?
While brushing your lips can seem like an inviting idea to get that dead skin off, it can be pretty harsh on your lips. It can exfoliate your lips. Yes. However, it can also damage them severely. We recommend using a lip scrub instead and simply using your fingers gently in circular motions to exfoliate.
4. How do I take care of a raw lip fast?
The quickest way to help your lips heal is to avoid makeup or any other chemicals while it is raw. Apply a generous amount of lip balm throughout the day. Drink lots and lots of water and definitely do not bite or lick your lips!
