What Your Routine Is Missing: The 5 Fundamentals for Healthy Lips
The skin on the lips is five times thinner than the skin on the rest of the face and contains neither sebaceous glands nor sweat glands. Lacking a natural hydrolipidic film, this area is extremely vulnerable to external aggressions: wind, cold, sun, pollution, saliva, and even certain foods. As a result, lips dry out quickly, become chapped, and lose their suppleness and volume.
1. Daily cleaning: an overlooked but essential step
Even without lipstick, lips accumulate impurities, saliva, dust, and food residue throughout the day. Gentle cleansing every evening removes these elements and optimizes the penetration of any skincare products applied afterwards.
To be preferred : Oily cleansers, rich in fatty substances, capable of dissolving lipophilic particles while nourishing the fragile skin of the lips.
2. Gentle exfoliation: once or twice a month is sufficient.
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, smooths the surface of the lips, stimulates microcirculation, and improves the effectiveness of moisturizers. However, excessive frequency or abrasive methods can cause microcracks.
Recommended method : gentle chemical peel based on AHA (mandelic or lactic acid) or fruit enzymes. Fine-grained mechanical exfoliation.
3. Hydration: the central role of balms and masks
The absence of moisturizing glands makes the skin on the lips dependent on external sources of moisture. Without protection, they are prone to chapping, cracking, and tingling.
In addition, during the night, the skin enters a phase of active regeneration. Applying a thick layer of moisturizing mask creates an environment conducive to repairing damaged lips. This treatment acts as an occlusion that prevents water evaporation.
Key ingredients to look for :
- Ceramides : strengthen the skin barrier.
- Hyaluronic acid : captures water and plumps up the skin.
- Vegetable butter (shea, mango, cocoa) : provides comfort and nutrition.
- Vegetable oils (sweet almond, sunflower): protection.
Council Apply a thick layer of repairing mask at night and balm several times a day.
4. Protect your lips from the sun: a precaution that is often overlooked
The lips, which have little pigment, are almost devoid of melanin, making them particularly sensitive to UV rays. Sun exposure is a factor that aggravates dehydration and can even cause lesions (actinic cheilitis).
To do : Use a lip balm with a minimum SPF of 50, summer and winter, including in the mountains.
5. Hyaluronic acid: an active ingredient of choice for lips
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally present in the body, capable of retaining up to 1,000 times its weight in water.
When applied topically to the lips, it acts as a powerful humectant, preventing water loss and restoring suppleness. The results observed are improved elasticity and a temporary smoothing and plumping effect.
When injected, it redefines contours and fills in fine lines.
Please note The effects of injections are temporary (6 to 12 months) and are not suitable for all profiles.
Additional tips for maintaining healthy lips
- Do not lick your lips : saliva, which is acidic, accelerates their drying out.
- Avoid chewing : damages the skin and promotes cracking.
- Internal hydration Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day.
- Be careful with matte lipsticks : often drying, it is best to apply a protective balm beforehand.
- Limit irritating foods : acidic, spicy, or very salty foods, which sensitize the lip mucosa.
