Lips do not have the same protective outer layer, or stratum corneum, found in other areas of skin, nor do lips have the same amount of oil and sweat glands, so they don’t get the same type of hydration and lipids.
It’s why we have become focused on adding extra hydration to our lips via lip balms, lip oils and overnight treatment products.
But as with our face, those key ingredients can’t get to work if lips are parched and flaky, and lipstick colour annoyingly clings in those dry spots.
You might have some across previous methods for smoothing lips.
Rubbing gently with a soft, damp toothbrush or flannel is one; using a gritty sugar scrub is another.
Now brands are offering more advanced solutions. Instead of abrasive scrubs, The Ordinary’s PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum exfoliates without friction, using Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) to smooth, hydrate, and plump.
PHAs are a type of chemical exfoliant that are gentler on the skin than traditional alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) because their molecules are larger and do not penetrate as deeply.
The lip serum is designed to be applied before bed every other night, and though it has glycerin in it, you can apply another balm over the top. You simply place a drop onto your finger and spread over you lips before leaving to dry.
Try these: The Ordinary PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum; MCo Beauty Lip Exfoliating Serum; Stila Buff & Blur Lip Enzyme Exfoliator; Lanolips Lip Scrub Strawberry; Aceology Passionfruit Refining Lip Scrub
Similarly, MCo Beauty Lip Exfoliating Serum combines hydrating hyaluronic acid with lactic acid in its treatment product, while Stila’s Buff & Blur Lip Enzyme Exfoliator uses natural papaya and pineapple enzymes for exfoliation, but also has a textured tip applicator to help with the smoothing action while applying.
If you prefer a no mess lip scrub with particles, try one in a tube that combines an exfoliating inclusion such as sugar with protective nourishing ingredients like plant seed butters or oils.
Lanolips Lip Scrub uses gentle sugar and real, finely ground strawberry seed pieces while Aceology’s Passionfruit Refining Lip Scrub contains sugar, fruit extracts shea butter, and sunflower seed oil.
For extra nourishment following an exfoliation, remember to apply a lip treatment mask, balm or oil.
