A Simple Lip Care Routine for Soft, Healthy Lips
Lips have thinner skin than the rest of your face and no oil glands of their own, which is why they dry out faster and benefit from a routine separate from your regular skincare.
Exfoliate, gently, once or twice a week
A soft toothbrush, a damp washcloth, or a dedicated lip scrub removes flaky, dry skin so lipstick and balm sit more evenly. Over-exfoliating (daily) can make dryness worse, so stick to a couple of times a week.
Hydrate daily
A balm with ingredients like shea butter, ceramides or hyaluronic acid works well; avoid constantly licking your lips, since saliva evaporates quickly and leaves lips drier than before.
Protect from sun
Lips can burn like any other skin. A balm with SPF, especially for extended time outdoors, prevents both sunburn and long-term dryness.
Why do my lips stay dry no matter how much balm I use?
Constant reapplication without exfoliating first can trap dry, flaky skin underneath the balm — try exfoliating once, then applying balm to fresh skin instead of layering it on top of buildup.
