Exfoliate!
You don't need to buy any expensive special "lip exfoliator". There are ways of doing this safely and gently. Here are a few tips:
- Use a wet washcloth or face buffer (gently!)
- Make a sugar scrub (or use dead sea salts)
- Use a soft toothbrush
These are all super easy. Here's a recipe I found at bellasugar for a sugar scrub:
All you'll need is a teaspoon of olive oil, a teaspoon of honey, two teaspoons of white granulated sugar, and a dash of lemon juice. Mix these ingredients together to make a sugary paste. Then use your finger or a toothbrush to gently sweep the mixture back and forth on your lips. The result: Softer, smoother lips for not a lot of money.
See? Most of us have this at home. It works wonders!
Moisturize!
Your lips need the moisture, too! I actually use just a touch of cocoa butter-infused baby oil (I use Johnson's Baby Oil with Shea and Cocoa Butter) after I've rinsed off the scrub. I don't wear lipstick because of skin sensitivities, but I do love Burt's Bees lip gloss. I also use Burt's Bees Lip Balm (the tinted ones are nice, too) whenever I feel a little dry. I haven't had a problem with moisture since I've started using these products on a regular basis.
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There's a few warnings I do want to pass on, and I'm not being some hippie eco-chick or anything by saying this.
Be careful with your lip products: Petroleum products are not good for you to use on your skin every day simply because the skin should be allowed to breathe. Some of the dyes and other chemicals in lipsticks are considered low-to-moderate hazard, meaning there is a degree of toxicity and people with sensitivities (like me) could react to them. Read the labels and be aware of what you're using.
If you're worried about what's in your cosmetics, try using the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. It's fairly complete and should help you make an educated decision.
It's also a good idea to switch things up. If you are normally someone who wears a ton of lipstick, try putting the makeup emphasis on your eyes and going with just a little gloss for your lips. They need a day off every now and again, too! Sometimes the best way to bring your lips out in a natural manner is just to use a little highlighter or white eyeliner outside your natural lip line. Blend it well, and your natural lip color will stand out.
I hope you've all found this useful! Leave me a comment to let me know what you do to keep your lips healthy or what products you like.
J!
