Protect Your Pout: Lip Care During the Winter Months

While they say ‘your smile can light up a room,’ dry, chapped lips can ruin the fun.

The thin skin of your lips is so temperamental that it requires daily maintenance and care. As we head into holiday party season, making sure to keep your lips looking their best and protecting them against the harsh winter air is super important.

Here’s some advice to help keep your lips kissable all season long:

Eliminate the Cause

The first thing you can do to protect your pout is to figure out exactly what is causing the irritation.

There are many day-to-day products, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and even sunscreen, that can contain allergens responsible for chapping and irritation.

If you suspect these, or any other products, are causing an allergic reaction, cease use immediately and you’ll see an improvement in about two weeks or so. If the irritation continues, be sure to contact your dermatologist for a mild topical hydrocortisone cream to apply to the area.

Stop Licking

If you have a habit of licking your lips, listen up! Your saliva contains digestive enzymes and bacteria that can break down the thin skin layer of your lips- leaving them in worse shape than before! When you get the urge to smack, pop open a tub of chapstick.

Moisturize

Chapstick is your best friend in the fight for fabulous lips! Using lip balm or any other petroleum-based ointment (Aquafor and Vaseline) can help create a strong, protective barrier against the elements.

If you’re lacking moisture indoors, you can replace it by plugging in a humidifier.

Quick Tip If you’re planning to wear any liquid lipsticks this holiday season, be sure apply a hydrating lip primer first. It will keep the lipstick for cracking, while also creating a protective barrier between the product and your pout.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating your lips removes the dead skin from the surface- just like when you do so for your face. Including it in your skincare routine once or twice a week can leave you with a fresh and healthy smile. Be sure to not overdo it!

Quick Tip You can create a lip scrub at home with just coffee grounds and a little but of coconut oil!Hydrate

Water is your best friend! Drinking the recommended two liters a day is a way to keep your lips, and the rest of your body, looking great.

Hydrate

Drinking enough water, about 2 liters, a day is incredibly important to keep your lips, and skin, looking their best.

Treat them Right

Sun exposure, age, and smoking can cause wrinkles to form around your mouth over time. You can reverse the damage with chemical peels and creams that contain Retinol, an anti-aging ingredient. A dollop of RAGS II Riches’ Retinol Creme de la Creme should do the trick!