Healthy lips don’t just feel better, they look better too. Because the skin on our lips is much thinner than the rest of our body, it’s more prone to dryness, cracking, and irritation. A little extra care can go a long way. Here are five simple tips to help keep your lips soft, comfortable, and protected.
1. Exfoliate Gently
Removing dry skin can help keep lips smooth. Once a week, lightly rub your lips with a damp washcloth or a soft toothbrush. After exfoliating, apply a hydrating balm to soothe and protect the skin, as exfoliation can make lips a bit more sensitive.
2. Stay Hydrated
Lips dry out quickly because they don’t produce their own natural oils. Drinking enough water is one of the easiest ways to keep them from becoming chapped. Try not to lick your lips – saliva evaporates fast and can leave them even drier.
3. Protect Your Lips From the Sun
Your lips are exposed to sunlight just like the rest of your skin, especially the lower lip. Use a daytime lip balm with SPF 15 or higher whenever you’re outdoors.
Even on cloudy days or when wearing a mask, UV rays can still reach your lips. At night, switch to a nourishing balm to restore moisture while you sleep.
4. Reapply Throughout the Day
Lip protection wears off quickly. Reapply every two hours — and more often if you’re eating, drinking, swimming, or sweating.
A helpful tip: keep an SPF lip balm in a few convenient spots like your purse, your car, or your bedside table. This makes reapplying easier and helps you find a product you really like.
5. Choose Quality Products
Look for lip balms that have been reviewed or recognized by reputable organizations or research groups. This helps ensure the product meets quality and safety standards and gives you reliable protection.
Your lips deserve the same care and attention as the rest of your skin. With a few simple habits, you can keep them soft, healthy, and comfortable all year long.
