Chapped or Cracked Lips? Steps to Exfoliating Lips for a Healthy, Hydrated Pout

Winter is right around the corner, and that means holiday fun, shopping sales, and getting together with friends and family. But the new season also ushers in cold, dry weather that can leave your skin and lips chapped or cracked.

If you want to have luscious lips year-round, we have the perfect routine to gently exfoliate and hydrate your pout. You’ll be surprised at how easy it can be to kiss chapped lips goodbye this year. 

Why You Should Use a Lip Exfoliator

Your lips are home to some of the most delicate, sensitive skin. And there are many things that can make your pout appear dry, flaky, or cracked.

Some common causes of chapped lips include everything from the weather and sun exposure to your diet or if you lick your lips often. Dry, cracked lips can be itchy and uncomfortable and also make it difficult to apply a flawless face of makeup.

That’s why exfoliation - along with hydration - is important. Using a gentle lip exfoliator is one of the best ways to remove dry skin to achieve a smooth, soft, and kissable pout.

How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Lips?

Since your lips are sensitive, it’s important to not overdo it with a lip scrub. Most experts agree to exfoliate your lips at least once a week, but no more than twice a week.

Over-exfoliating your smile can lead to more cracks, dryness, and overall irritation.

3 Easy Steps to Kissable Lips

Exfoliating your lips is surprisingly easy. But remember that exfoliation alone isn’t enough to unlock luscious lips.

Here are three easy steps for a healthy, hydrated pout:

1. Exfoliate: Add a gentle lip exfoliant to your nightly lip routine at least once a week to remove dry, dead skin. You can find plenty of lip exfoliators from your favorite brands. Or, you can try your hand at making a homemade lip exfoliator.

   There are a bunch of lip exfoliator DIY tutorials online using ingredients you likely already have. One popular homemade lip scrub uses honey and sugar. Other lip sugar scrub recipes include ingredients such as shea butter and jojoba oil or olive oil and coffee that add moisture to your lips. These DIY lip treatments come together quickly in a small bowl and can leave your lips feeling smooth and refreshed.

   You can also exfoliate your lips with a soft, unused toothbrush! Use gentle, circular motions to gently rub away dead, flaky skin on your lips.

2. Mask: After exfoliating your lips, it’s time to hydrate them. But don’t just use any old lip balm. The FlashPatch Hydrating Lip Gel is perfect for delivering deep hydration to soften, smooth and diminish the appearance of vertical lines directly to your lips.

3. Protect: Finally, don’t forget to lock in moisture and protect your lips in the long run. A swipe of Lip Service Treatment gloss-to-balm locks the good stuff in for ultimate softness overnight or whenever you need it during the day.

Ready to nourish your smile this season? Shop our Lip Care Favorites at Patchology today!