As the brisk winter winds gain momentum and the dial on the thermostat inches up a few notches, I can almost immediately notice a difference in my skin. Daily moisturizing is a must. Handbags become equipped with pocket sized Glysomed. And then of course a lip chap is stowed away in every unexplored compartment- in my car, purses and coats.
What I’ve learned, however, is that as the heat gets cranked, the air more dry, the wind more shrill and the lip balm applications more frequent, it takes a healthy regime of lip care to ward off dry, chapped lips and most lip balms are actually much less effective than you’d imagine.
To get your kisser winter ready, here are a few do’s and dont’s and my favourite products for maintaining a juicy pout this winter.
1. DO get a humidifier
Humidifiers are the best way to retain moisture in the air of your living space and your skin will thank you graciously. As you breathe in the moisturized air at night, you will be less likely to wake up with cracks in the corners of your mouth.
2. DON’T overindulge in Vaseline
Vaseline, though tempting, is not a fool proof way to protect your lips from becoming dry this winter. In fact, in my experience, it can often make things worse. Invest in an unflavoured, non-medicated lip balm. I use Burt’s Bees ultra-conditioning. You can also try other products with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, and glycerin to ensure your lips stay moist and try avoid paraben ridden products. Balms including natural oils are also a good option, like Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
3. DO try a sugar lip scrub
An exfoliant and conditioner, sugar lip scrubs are probably best applied in the early stages as it may be too painful if you catch your chap too late. Canadian company Bite produces a great value sugar scrub using all natural and food based product, you can also try fresh sugar scrub. Apply this before any sort of lip balm or lip stick care for a smooth surface to work with.
4. DON’T lick your lips
As simple as this may sound, lip-licking is one of the most common ways to induce chapped lips. Enzymes in your saliva can irritate your skin over time and lead to cracked and dry lips.
5. DO drink LOTS of water
Basic science. Hydrate your body and your lips will show it.
6. DON’T make lemonade out of lemons
Put the citric fruits down. Citric acid will not only dry your lips but also irritate them. Hold off on oranges, lemons and limes this winter and source your Vitamin C elsewhere.
7. DO try overnight remedies
Neosporin overnight healing remedy, though slightly opaque and thick for day time, is a perfect solution for an overnight lip moisturizer.
After you’ve treated your pucker to some simple remedies for dried and chapped lips, try MAC’s Vino lip liner and MAC’s Cyber lipstick to achieve the popular vamp look this winter.
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