Skincare tips: 5 steps to take care of your lips to keep them soft and supple

Korean tips for glowing skin (3)

In the struggle of giving all that attention to the face, we often forget to give our lips the care that they deserve. Whether it's harsh weather conditions, dehydration, or neglect, our lips often bear the brunt of daily, hectic life.

However, with a little attention and the right routine, you can keep your lips soft and supple. Here are five essential steps to incorporate into your lip care regimen:

Hydrate from within

One of the fundamental steps in lip care begins from within. Dehydration can lead to dry, chapped lips, so ensuring you stay adequately hydrated throughout the day is key. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to maintain optimal hydration levels. Additionally, incorporating hydrating foods such as watermelon, cucumber, and oranges into your diet can further boost moisture levels, keeping your lips plump and healthy.

Exfoliate regularly

Just like the rest of your skin, your lips can benefit from regular exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Invest in a gentle lip scrub or create your own at home using natural ingredients like sugar and honey. Gently massage the scrub onto your lips in circular motions, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Exfoliating your lips 2-3 times a week will leave them feeling smooth and rejuvenated, ready to absorb nourishing lip balms or treatments. Try Personal Touch Skincare’s Lip Muse combo—gently exfoliate with their Sugarberry Lip Scrub to treat your dry, flaky lips, and then, coat with the Juicy Beeswax Lip Balm to seal the moisture.

Protect with SPF

Sun damage isn’t just limited to your skin—your lips are equally susceptible to harmful UV rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to dryness, premature aging, and even an increased risk of skin cancer on the lips. To shield your lips from UV damage, make sure to use a lip balm or lipstick that contains SPF protection. Apply liberally before heading outdoors, and reapply every two hours, especially if you’ll be spending extended periods in the sun. Inde Wild’s Dewy Lip Treatment promises hydration and long-lasting plump, along with protecting your lips for the harmful sun all day long.

Moisturise daily

Consistent moisturisation is essential for maintaining soft, supple lips. Choose a hydrating lip balm or treatment that contains nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, or vitamin E. Apply a generous layer before bedtime to allow the product to work its magic overnight. During the day, keep your lip balm handy and reapply as needed, especially after eating or drinking. Avoid licking your lips, as saliva can actually exacerbate dryness, leaving your lips feeling parched.

Embrace healthy habits

In addition to external care, adopting healthy habits can significantly impact the overall health and appearance of your lips. Avoid smoking, as it can cause darkening and wrinkles around the lips, not to mention numerous other health risks. Limit your intake of spicy and acidic foods, which can exacerbate lip irritation. Finally, try to avoid excessive lip biting or picking, as this can damage the delicate skin and lead to inflammation and soreness.