The lips are one of the most prominent parts of the face, due to their shape and color. They then play the role of frame of our smile: their condition greatly affects the general appearance of the face.
It is therefore important to take care of them carefully and constantly, so that they always appear toned, smooth and well hydrated. There are benefits in terms of well-being, attractiveness and self-esteem.
In this article we are going to see some suggestions for taking care of the lips in the right way, how to prevent and treat the most common problems and blemishes, and finally the best natural remedies, easily executable with ingredients that we already have at home.
Common lip problems
Dry and chapped lips, fissures, loss of volume and tone, nasolabial wrinkles, up to the melasmas of the upper lip, i.e. the dark spots that form on the mustache area.
These are the main threats to our lips: some linked to temporary and easily solvable conditions, others relating to advancing age or chronic conditions, but on which it is still possible to intervene effectively, both in terms of prevention and treatment.
With regard to prevention, let’s see what are the behaviors to avoid in order to have healthy lips.
Licking the lips: in fact, saliva, after a momentary relief, ends up drying the lips even more. Smoking, in addition to being harmful in general, also has a negative impact on the lips; in fact the repeated gesture of pulling from the mouth to the long causes unsightly lines of expression. Exposing yourself to the sun for too long and without protection. Stay indoors made too dry by heating or air conditioning systems. Waxing exposes us to the risk of irritation and possible spots, especially in conjunction with the arrival of the warm season, when we are more exposed to the sun’s rays. Some make-up products such as lipsticks containing volatile silicones or alcohol have a tendency to dry out the lips, as do highly foaming toothpastes.
The lips are also an anatomical area very sensitive to atmospheric agents such as wind and low temperatures, as well as to the continuous action of the facial muscles or to hormonal changes, capable of affecting our degree of body hydration.
The reason for this heightened sensitivity is to be found in the fact that the mucous part, or the dorsal margin of the lips, lacks sebaceous and sweat glands; therefore it cannot retain water and lipids, which are essential for proper hydration. Hence the importance of providing it with the nourishment it needs with specific products.
Recommended products and good habits
Among the various types of cosmetics designed to take care of the lips, it is impossible not to mention cocoa butter; its use, constant and recommended several times a day, prevents dehydration and forms a pleasant protective film on the lips.
The lip balm has a similar and at the same time complementary function; it is in fact indicated as a repairer, in case there are cracks or lesions it eliminates them, recompacting the lips.
Scrubs are used to exfoliate dead cells, cuticles and various impurities, leaving the lips smooth and uniform; it is sufficient to gently massage the whole area for a few seconds, with the recommended frequency of a couple of times a week.
Creams and serums are used for more specific treatments: plumping, nourishing, hydrating or healing. They are rich in various active ingredients according to different needs. Apply after cleansing/scrub and before conditioner or lip balm and sunscreen.
Just to protect from the effects of the sun there are products specifically designed for the lips, usually in sticks. Lip balms also often include various types of sunscreen.
Natural remedies for healthy lips
There are many natural remedies that can prevent the lips from drying out, ensuring proper hydration, as well as being of help in the healing process in the case of fissures and cracks. Let’s see some of the simplest and most common remedies:
Coconut oil is widely used for cosmetic purposes: it is able to nourish the lips, leaving them soft and protected. Olive oil, rich in vitamin E, also boasts comparable properties. Shea butter, excellent for protecting and repairing dry lips, nourishes and moisturizes. Honey has antibacterial, healing and restoring properties, spreading it lightly on dry chapped lips is an excellent remedy. Together with sugar or bicarbonate it is then a perfect base for a lip scrub.
It is also essential to drink enough water, take the correct amount of vitamins and micronutrients and stay in environments with the right level of humidity: our lips will shine.
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