Tips for plump, kissable, beautiful lips
Chapped lips are pretty common and usually harmless, but it's also very important to protect and hydrate them.
It is, after all, still part of the largest organ in the body. The only difference is that it's more sensitive when touched and is thinner in layer compared to the skin.
As Dr. Jean Marquez F.P.D.S. tells Pinoy MD, “Wala siyang hair follicles, at wala siyang sweat glands at oil glands.
“Kung kaya ang ating lips madalas 'yan mag-dry kasi walang sweat and oil glands kumpara sa skin na makikita sa ibang bahagi ng ating katawan.”
Chapped or cracked lips is the most commonly used termite describe dry lips. It can be caused by several factors that include:
- Constant exposure to the sun
- Frequent smoking
- Use of lipsticks or lip gloss with high chemical content
- Frequent licking of lips with saliva
Because of the lack of moisture and the sweltering hot weather we have in the Philippines, acquiring chapped lips is pretty common for Filipinos.
The only way to improve the condition of your puckers is to constantly care and treat them like any part of your skin.
1. Drink plenty of water
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day / Source: Pressfoto for Freepik.com
Like what Dr. Marquez said earlier, lips don't contain oil glands that's why they're more susceptible to drying out. Keep your skin and lips hydrated by drinking lots of water every day.
That being said, avoid drinking caffeinated and alcohol because these are diuretic drinks. The are drinks that promote the removal of water from the body through frequent urine.
Coffee also adds to the pigmentation of your lips making them look dull and dark when it should be pinkish in hue.
2. Applying lip balm
Men are encouraged to apply lip balms too / Source: Freepik.com
The skin on your lips is very delicate and is easily harmed when exposed to the sun. So make sure to apply a lip balm that has sun protection.
Also, look out for bad quality cosmetics that are prepared from chemicals or harsh ingredients. Do your research and be a smart consumer.
If you want a dash of color by swabbing on lipstick, apply a layer of lipgloss first to ensure that you're lips stay protected.
3. Avoid smoking
Smoking is one of the biggest cause of chapped and dark lips / Source: Freepik.com
This is something you may have heard time and again. Smoking dries out your lips by removing water and oil content from the skin so avoid this bad habit.
Dr. Marquez adds, “Ang paninigarilyo, number one 'yan sa nakikita nating sanhi kasi ang nicotine nagde-deposit ng chemical around sa skin ng labi kaya nagko-cause ng pangingitim. In a way, parang nasusunog na rin 'yung labi.”
4. Exfoliate
Practice self-care with a little lip scrub / Source: indrepau for Freepik.com
As a form of self-care, exfoliate your lips with a gentle lip scrub or a clean toothbrush once a week. It helps remove the dead skin cells on top of your lips.
Never lick your lips because saliva contains digestive enzymes which will make them more vulnerable to dry air.
Having healthy lips is easy when you keep these simple tips in mind. A slight change in lifestyle may feel like a burden now but your lips (and your overall health) will thank you later.
If you have chronically chapped lips, you may want to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss potential underlying causes and treatment options.
Want more lifestyle content like this? Head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.