Lips are not just useful for bodily functions etc, they have grown to become major players in fashion and beauty. For example, Kylie Jenner’s billion dollar empire was built on her lips and how she made it and her lip kits work for her. You may not have a lipkit empire or have Angelina Jolie’s lips or the money to get them, but you can have healthy beautiful lips without spending a fortune and this article is here to show you how.
Firstly, when it comes to our lips, we’re our own worst enemy. A lot of our habits can lead to lip dryness, soreness and irritation.
Keep your lips healthy in these 6 simple ways
- Hands Off
Licking your lips feels great. It cools them down but it also makes its problem much worse. Your saliva evaporates quickly, leaving them drier than before, and the enzymes that help your saliva clean your mouth and digest food are much too harsh for your lips.
2. Maintain a healthy diet
Your lips are dependent on a steady intake of vitamins and minerals, so stick to healthy, nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Vitamins B and E are especially important for healthy lips and skin. Make no mistake, your diet is a big determinant of the condition of your lips.
- Use the right lip balm
Lip balms are not gender specific. Look for a product with a base of beeswax, petroleum jelly or paraffin. These seal in moisture and won’t evaporate as quickly as thinner balms or glosses. Your lip balm will be a lot more effective if there’s no buildup in the way. It is advisable you exfoliate about once a week with a gentle lip scrub product. Home-made honey/sugar lip scrub can do the trick.
- Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water (the equivalent of at least 9 cups of fluids daily) will keep the body, skin and lips hydrated.
- Avoid breathing with an open mouth
It’s bad, and not just because it looks uncouth. Think of all the air being sucked and blown constantly over your poor lips as you gasp and pant, sapping moisture with every breath. Inhaling and exhaling through your nose will stop that harmful, desert-dry airflow.
- Know when to see a doctor
Some lip problems, such as those caused by infection or poor nutrition, require a doctor’s intervention. If you’re also suffering from problems like fatigue or frequent headaches, your cracked lips might be just one indicator of a bigger problem, like a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Constant licking, biting or picking can cause or complicate cheilitis, an inflamed, crusty patch that can form at the corners of your mouth.