Luxe Lips for Life: Our Dermatologists’ Complete Guide to Lip Care

Posted on: March 11th, 2024 by Our Team

This article was edited by Annie Liu, MD

All About Lips

Lips can make your face eye-catching – especially when you smile. But lips do more than that. Lips originally evolved to facilitate eating. Lips also likely played a crucial role in developing speech, language, and facial expression. They help keep your mouth and throat from drying out. And then there’s kissing – a kiss can trigger cascades of positive neural messages and biochemicals that transmit tactile sensations, ranging from romantic pleasure from kissing a partner to simple feelings of warmth from kissing a child, a friend, relative or a beloved pet.

For all that they do for us, lips deserve proper care and nurturing. California Skin Institute’s board-certified dermatologists are pleased to give you their expert advice on how to care for your lips and the delicate skin surrounding them.

Here are their top tips to keep your lips soft, smooth, and luscious.

Hydration is Key:

First and foremost, hydration is the cornerstone of lip care. Just like the rest of your skin, your lips need ample moisture to stay plump and supple. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your lips hydrated from the inside out. Additionally, consider using a hydrating lip balm or ointment containing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

Sun Protection Matters:

Did you know that your lips are susceptible to sun damage, just like the rest of your skin? Exposure to UV rays can lead to dryness, premature aging, and even an increased risk of skin cancer on the lips. To protect your pout, use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher daily, rain or shine. Reapply regularly, especially when spending extended periods of time outdoors or participating in water activities.

(Note: CSI has its specially formulated Essential Lip Therapy to help you with the above lip care needs. Providing broad spectrum SPF 30, its Peptides support collagen production, and its ceramides replenish skin moisturizer.

Gentle Exfoliation:

Exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and revealing the fresh, healthy skin underneath. However, the skin around the lips is delicate, so exfoliating gently is essential. Opt for a product like CSI’s sleek Glycolic Elite Cleanser with just the right amount of glycolic acid. Use it once or twice a week to keep your lips smooth and free of rough patches.

Don’t Lick Your Lips:

It’s a common habit, especially when your lips feel dry, but licking your lips can worsen the problem. Saliva evaporates, leaving your lips even drier than before. Instead of licking, use your lip balm to provide instant relief and hydration.

A note of caution. Chapped lips could be more than chapped lips. It could be a sign of actinic cheilitis. Similar to actinic keratosis, this dry scaly condition can be a precursor to skin cancer. Or it could be an allergy or infection. In any case, a board-certified dermatologist can diagnose what’s going on and if needed prescribe treatment.

Mindful Makeup Choices:

If you like to rock bold lip colors, be mindful of the products you’re using. Some lipsticks and lip liners contain ingredients that can irritate or dry the skin. Look for products labeled as hydrating or moisturizing. After carefully evaluating many products for our patients, we carry Colorscience® SPF lip glosses in our offices. We like their healthful healing ingredients combined with flattering color options and think you will too.

Healthy Habits Lead to Healthy Skin:

Your overall health plays a significant role in the appearance of your skin, including your lips. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can help keep your skin glowing from the inside out. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts provide essential nutrients that support skin health and repair.

Procedures to Enhance Your Lips:

You may feel bad about your lips. You find them too thin, or sun exposure and age may have caused them and the delicate skin that frames your lips to appear wrinkled and lined. There’s no reason to be self-conscious and unhappy about any of this. Fortunately, now we have minimally invasive in-office procedures to enhance your lips. Filler, microneedling, or a combination – let our experts help design the best strategy for you. Call or make an online appointment at the CSI location nearest you.