7 Ways to give your lips the attention they deserve

Dryness, discolouration, redness, soreness, cracking, flakey, peeling, and burning on the lips is usually a sign of chapped lips, an inflammation clinically called cheilitis. It can be caused or exacerbated by the issues we'll be looking at.

However, most times we simply want pink, supple lips. Is that too much to ask?

Here are some of the things you need to focus on for healthy lips.

Reconsider your balm

Pharmacy lip balms are culprits for poor lip health and appearance according to Katie Beleznay, MD and dermatologist. They discourage the lips from producing their own moisture, so it leads to a cycle of dependence on the balm. T

Look out for irritating ingredients like menthol, camphor, phenol, eucalyptus, salicylic acid, and fragrance according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Also, watch out for tingly and flavoured lip balm.

Friendly ingredients include ceramides, dimethicone, petrolatum, and shea butter.

Use petrolatum-based lip products

For healing or soothing your lips, choose petroleum jelly like vaseline or Aquaphor act as buffers against environmental elements. Petroleum-based lip products can also help you transition from unfriendly products.

Leave them alone

Too much of anything is bad. Reduce your dependence on lip balm. On the other hand, avoid touching your lips, and peeling them with your hands or teeth. This leads to exposure of skin that is not ready to come on top. On the same note, avoid scrubbing your lips.

Use SPF lip products

Sun protection factor (SPF) protects your lips from sun heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays. So it's important to get lip balm and serums with this feature.

Lip occlusive regimen before bed

Slathering the body in petroleum-based products is common to prevent moisture loss. You can apply this regimen to your lips. This way, you seal moisture into your lips. According to Beleznay, apply a moisturiser or serum before sealing them off with vaseline or Aquaphor for better results.

Get a humidifier indoors

A humidifier maintains moisture in the air indoors, especially when there's dry air circulating inside.

Gentle lipstick removal

Certain lipstick such as matte has a high drying effect on lips. It is important to give your lips soothing aftercare when you take off such lipstick. Lip gloss is a good aftercare. Use a gentle lipstick remover.