For centuries, poets and painters have extolled the beauty of lips. Women through the ages have desired sensuous lips and even today, the allure of a pair of plump, healthy lips remains the same. But with the weather seeing a dramatic change of late, both men and women are going on a hunt for products to protect and moisturise their lips. Lips are particularly vulnerable because the skin is relatively thinner. Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, MD, FAAD, consultant dermatologist and trichologist at Adiva Aesthetics, New Delhi, shares ways on how to choose the right lip care products.
Capping the chap
Today’s consumers have access to thousands of lip care products from shimmering tints, balms designed for the outdoor enthusiasts and luxurious lip conditioners with rare and exotic pampering oils. Lip moisturisers or lip balms are made to protect, soften and smoothen lips. Lip moisturisers with sunscreen to guard against sun damage are also getting popular with those spending significant time outdoors and are concerned about dark lips. Many cosmetic companies have also introduced lipsticks with lip conditioners that combine the gloss with conditioning benefits in natural flavours.
Plump factor
A number of the latest lip moisturisers also contain lip plumping ingredients which naturally accentuate lips and give them a larger, pouted appearance. This is a common trend but still most women prefer to go for lip fillers for this purpose which provide a better pout and have an option of getting a desired shape of the lips. A few lip plumpers include ingredients which irritate the lips and lead them to swell due to an allergic reaction. Niacin, ginger root extract, peppermint oil and cinnamon leaf oil are a few examples, so stay away from these.
Lip service
In Connie Francis’ 1959 song, Lipstick on Your Collar, lipstick was the giveaway that her boyfriend had been untrue. But don’t let that mislead you, as hygiene is of utmost importance, so avoid licking or biting your lips to avoid irritation and drying. Keep in mind that whatever you put on your lips you are also eating to some extent. So, be careful of the ingredients of your lip balm and lipstick, keeping it as natural as possible.
kiss kiss bang bang
Hydrate your lips from the inside. Drinking plenty of water is not only good for your health; it keeps your lips hydrated and healthy. Protect your lips. Wind and sun can cause damage and cause make them dry out, burn or chap. Using a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect from sun damage will keep them moist and protect them from the harsh elements. Moisturise your lips at night. This will replenish your lips from any damage that occurred during the day. Some natural choices are: sesame oil, shea butter, and coconut oil.