Winter can be harsh on your skin, especially the super sensitive areas like your lips. Here are some do’s and don’ts of caring for your lips through the harshest months of the year.
Do: Exfoliate regularly. There are hundreds of DIY recipes for lip scrubs, test out a few or make up one on your own!
Don’t: Over exfoliate. No one wants to end up with extra sensitive or swollen lips!
Do: Apply a lip treatment before going outside, and before bed. Whether you’re a natural chick that digs coconut oil or prefer the old school Chapstick, using a lip treatment is crucial to maintaining soft (and kissable!) lips all year round.
Don’t: Use lip products that contain alcohol. This will dry out your lips, leaving them painfully cracked and dry. Check out this list of some better alternatives with more beneficial ingredients.
Do: Stay hydrated. Water makes up more than half of our body. Sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol are all dehydrating. So while hot cocoa may be ah-mazing while you’re trapped inside during a storm, make sure to also be drinking enough water to maintain a healthy level of hydration.
Don’t: Lick your lips if they’re dry! According to a dermatology clinic at the University of Arkansas, each time you lick your lips the saliva evaporates and leaves them more and more dry.
Do: Use a lip product that contains some sort of SPF. We’ve all experienced the dreaded sunburn. Protection from the sun is still just as important in the winter months- it may be cold, but the sun is still shining! Letting your lips be naked to the sun’s harmful rays will dry them out no matter how much chapstick you use. Lexi Novak, a beauty editor for Allure magazine, made this list of great SPF containing lip balms.
Don’t: Put sunscreen on your lips. I think this one goes without saying. Get a special lip balm that contains SPF.
So whether you’re spending the winter skiing in the Alps or just trying to make the trek from your dorm to the Union, remember to take care of your lips this season so your lips can stay smooth and kissable all year long.