We are all becoming increasingly aware of skincare routines and what we should and shouldn’t use. But one thing people often forget to take care of or even consider is our lips. With so much emphasis these days put on lip shape and volume and the amount of amazing ways to dress them, we need to ensure we maintain what we have and look after what we have been naturally given!
There are many amazing things about ageing. But thinning skin isn’t one of them. Wrinkled lips can sometimes reveal your age before you even open your mouth. This happens because like your face, your lips loose volume, which causes them to appear thinner and develop lines with age.
How do lips age?
Lips get their shape from collagen and as we age we produce less of it. UV damage, genetics and lifestyle factors such as smoking are also factors which affect the aging process.
People often forget to protect their lips when applying their SPF products to their face and body. With skin cancers on the rise, there is no better time to start using an SPF product on your lips.
Lip cancer can often look like a sore that won’t heal. In people with light skin, this sore may appear reddish. In people with darker skin, it may appear dark brown or gray. Lip cancer can look different for everyone, so if you notice something strange, you should call your healthcare provider for an appointment.
Sunlight is also a proven trigger of cold sores. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend your summer hiding inside. Using sunscreen and a lip balm that provide broad-spectrum sun protection with a minimum SPF of 30 can help protect you from cold sores. Applying frequently whilst exposed to the sun will prevent outbreaks occurring.
So how do we look after them?
Sun protection factor:
Make this part of your daily skincare rituals that you do not leave the house without. One of our personal favourites is the Albus & Flora Multi Active lip balms. These are deeply nourishing, highly anti-oxidant, vitamin and omega rich lip balm, with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, SPF 30. In irresistible natural colours, they give the lips a hint of colour. The available delicate shades are great all-rounders, and perfect for a ‘less is more’ make-up look.
Exfoliation
Exfoliating your lips can make all the difference for a more youthful pout. Just as you do for your face, exfoliating, which removes the outer layer of dead skin to promote cell turnover, can help your lips instantly look and feel smoother and plumper. Just be careful not to overdo it and apply your SPF frequently after! Our Skinfluential fave is the NCLA Lip Scrub!
