A sibling to the more popularly known body scrub, lip scrubs should never be overlooked. Our lips are not only a visual focal point of our faces, but they’re also particularly sensitive. When they’re uncomfortable, everything including eating, talking and kissing is impacted.
That’s why using a lip scrub for chapped lips may come in handy. After all, one of the best ways to maintain the delicate skin framing our mouths is to exfoliate away dead, flaky cells. But how much do you know about lip scrubs?
Well, a lip scrub is a semi-liquid or other soft-solid base containing particles that slough off dry, flaky pieces and leave smooth skin behind. You can refer to them as a type of mechanical exfoliation, meaning it physically removes dead skin cells. Perfectly exfoliated lips better absorb moisturizing agents and protectants such as lip balm.
You’ll also find most lip scrubs in a lipstick-like format, which can be applied pre-lipstick to achieve a more even color application. Do-it-yourself lip scrub recipes are also readily available online, and are usually simple to make at home.
So, how do you ensure you get the most from your lip scrub? First and foremost, you need to wet lips to prevent abrasive friction. You should then apply your store-bought lip scrub or homemade mixture directly onto damp lips. Be sure to use small, circular finger motions for about 30 seconds before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Use short, light strokes if applying with a brush or sponge.
Exfoliating with a lip scrub is ideal for softening and smoothing lips before applying lipstick, or when your lips are dry and peeling from cold wind or prolonged sun exposure. Try as much as possible to avoid using them if your lips have any open cuts, or if they’re sunburned or raw. All in all, be gentle and exfoliate as required since overdoing it can lead to unwanted irritation.
After scrubbing your lips, it is essential to follow up with a repairing lip balm. Pure petroleum jelly seals in moisture to soothe, soften, and rehydrate skin’s outer layer, and facilitates sealing in moisture.
Whether or not you’re already familiar with how to use a lip scrub, we hope the above information has been useful in regards to ideas on ingredients, the ideal way to use lip scrubs, and how they can help soothe and repair dry, chapped lips.