How to moisturise lips

Nothing says “pucker up” like a pair of perfectly plump, moisturised lips, with perhaps a slick of gloss on top.

Many of us don’t worry about moisturising lips in the summer months. Still, most people experience a cracked or dry pout during cold winters. However, for some of us, keeping lips soft and supple is a year-round job – and that’s where we’re here to help.

In this article, we’ll explain how you can care for and nourish your lips to enjoy a perfectly pink, healthy pout, whatever the weather.

1. Exfoliate (but don’t overdo it!)

Exfoliation is necessary to remove dead skin cells and reveal the bright, shiny, glowing new skin below them.

Using scrubs with large granules, like salts or sugar scrubs, can cause tears in the skin which damage it¹ . Instead, use a chemical exfoliant like an AHA, BHA, or Salicylic Acid chemical lip balm².

2. Drink plenty of water

Many people roll their eyes when they hear “drink plenty of water”. But it’s so frequently advised because it works, with scientific studies to prove it³.

Staying hydrated improves skin appearance, making it look fuller and younger, so enhance the plumpness of your pout by pouring another glass.

3. Read the label of your lip balms

When purchasing lip balm, make sure to pick one that includes ingredients proven to enhance the skin’s protective barrier. These include cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil⁴. Avoid ingredients including camphor oil, which is clinically proven to be drying⁵.

4. Sun cream is your friend

Sun damage may be responsible for visible indicators of the ageing process⁶ . This astonishing statistic reveals just how vital UVA and UVB protection is for a youthful glow. However, even among those who regularly use sun cream, many neglect their lips. One study estimated that only 37% of sun cream users applied it to their lips⁷.

Purchase a lip balm with a high SPF factor, which help  protects your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays, to enjoy a supple, youthful-looking pout, for longer.

5. Don’t expose your lips to unnecessary toxins

Environmental irritants and toxins are unavoidable, especially if you live in a densely populated urban area. Exhaust fumes from cars, soot, and smoke all contribute to skin ageing prematurely⁸.

Although exposure is unavoidable, you can reduce these toxins’ impact by using lip balms that fortify the skin’s protective barrier and cleansing your face each night. Avoid bad habits like smoking to reduce avoidable exposure to toxins.

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Last updated: 9th February 2021

Expertly reviewed by:

Doaa Al Mosawi, Regulatory Affairs Joined Holland & Barrett: March 2019 Qualifications: BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science After completing her BSc in Biomedical Science, Doaa worked in Research and laboratory for 3 years. Doaa was also a member of a product development team in a manufacturing company specialising in sun care and personal care products, researching and providing regulatory advice regarding international regulations. Doaa is now an International Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate at Holland & Barrett.