Your Healthy Lips Explored
By Brandi Goodman
Lip health isn't often something people consider. It should be on your list though. More than just applying ChapStick when they're getting dry, you should be taking care of your lips well so they remain hydrated, supple, and free from pain.
Drink Lots of Water
The best way to keep your lips hydrated is of course to drink water. Water is necessary for the proper hydration of your entire body -- lips included. Make sure you're getting at least eight cups with 8 ounces in each per day. Drink more if you're overweight, especially if you're trying to shed some pounds.
Exfoliate
You may exfoliate your skin, but do you exfoliate your lips? You should be doing just that. Use your toothbrush and rub it over your lips so you can help to remove some dead skin cells and keep your lips feeling smooth. A washcloth works just as well.
Use Lip Balm With Sunscreen Properties
Sunscreen isn't just intended for your skin. You need some for your lips as well if you're going to prevent burning, discomfort, and damage on days the sun is shining. Find a lip balm with sunscreen properties to keep your mouth protected. Burt's Bees and Aquaphor offer medicated and lip repair formulas that are effective.
Find Lip-Safe Makeup
Many lipsticks, liners, and glosses do more harm to your mouth than you realize. If you begin to notice that certain makeup causes your lips to peel, feel dry, or otherwise experience discomfort, it's time for some new brands. You need to find lip-safe makeup that will only leave your lips smooth and feeling just as they would without the color. A hydrating lipstick may be good to try, but each person could have a different experience with different products. Try several options and find the ones that work the best for your body.
Wash the Makeup Off
Even if you've found a great lipstick that leaves your lips feeling fine throughout the day, the problem could arise at night. Never sleep with makeup on -- on your lips or otherwise. Leaving the product on all night could result in the peeling and dryness you were trying to avoid. Make sure to wipe all lipstick off your mouth before bed so your lips can have the chance to recover while you sleep. You should also avoid wearing lipstick every single day if you can help it.
A healthy body involves healthy lips. Do what you can to prevent dryness, soreness, and chapping by keeping these tips in mind. Your lips will thank you for it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Milpitas, Calif.