Okay, I’ll be real: I totally let myself go a bit during winter. No matter how much I try to moisturize, my hands and face are still dry as a desert. I can’t even remember the last time I got my nails done. The thought of braving the cold for a salon appointment after work? Nah, I’d rather just throw on my sweatpants and binge-watch Netflix.
But when it comes to my lips, I’m all in. I can’t stand having dry, cracked lips. So, I’m sharing my top tips for keeping your lips looking beautiful, healthy, and totally kissable—just in time for Valentine’s Day!
- Exfoliate: Get rid of those dry skin flakes by gently brushing your lips with a soft, wet toothbrush or washcloth. I usually do this once a week, typically on a lazy weekend morning when I’m not planning to go out right away since it can make my lips a bit sensitive.
- Hydrate: Unlike the rest of your skin, your lips can dry out super easily because they don’t have oil glands. So, drink plenty of water to keep them from getting chapped, and try to avoid licking your lips (trust me, it took me ages to kick that habit!).
- Protect and Moisturize: Your lips get a lot of sun, especially the bottom one, which makes them a common spot for skin cancers. So, it’s super important to use a lip product with SPF 30 or higher during the day. And yes, even if you’re wearing a mask, your lips still need protection! At night, switch to a moisturizing product to help with dryness.
- Reapply Often: Don’t forget to reapply your sun-protective lip product every couple of hours, especially after eating or drinking. I like to keep my SPF lip balm in a few different spots—one at my desk, in my purse, on my nightstand, and in the bathroom. That way, I remember to put it on right after brushing my teeth. Plus, it gives you a reason to try out different brands!
- Choose the Right Products: Make sure you’re using lip products that have The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. This seal is only given to sun-protective products that meet the standards of their expert committee, so you know your lips will be soft and safe from the sun.
So there you go! Keep those lips looking great and ready for some Valentine’s Day love!
