According to makeup artists Nic and Sam Chapman, world-renowned makeup artists, Pixiwoo YouTube sensations and authors of ‘Face: Makeup, Skincare, Beauty’ our lips differ from the skin on the rest of our bodies and suffer when exposed to extreme temperatures caused by the weather and our environment. The reverse air conditioning and indoor heating systems we heavily rely on throughout the Winter months can wreak havoc on our lips – as can other factors such as dehydration, pregnancy, illness and diet, causing dryness. Since our lips have no sebaceous glands to lubricate them, they will struggle to retain moisture unless cared for.

Here are our 5 tips for lip care to avoid dry, flaky lips this Winter:

1. Avoid Peeling, Tugging or Pulling at Skin

If your lips are suffering from dehydration and dryness, as tempting as it is avoid tugging, pulling or peeling at the dead skin. This will only cause more harm to your lips, and can lead to skin cracking, open sores and bleeding.

2. Removing Dead skin

Peeling skin should be removed from lips gently and with care. Warm a tablespoon of olive oil in the microwave or stove top for ten seconds, checking the temperature with your pinky before using. Apply to your lips using a soft toothbrush (a baby toothbrush is ideal), and rubbing gently in circular motions. Remove using a wet washcloth and pat dry. Other oils than can be substituted for olive oil include jojoba and sweet almond.

3. Apply a Lip Scrub

If your lips are dry and flaky, a lip scrub is an easy way to remove any dead skin. The key to success here is to be extremely gentle and never use a scrub on broken skin, as this will only exacerbate the problem. Everyday Roots suggests mixing a tablespoon of brown sugar with about a teaspoon of honey (or olive oil). Mix together into a sticky substance. Apply once or twice per week by gently rubbing onto your lips, using just enough pressure with your finger or a soft toothbrush to loosen and remove dead skin. Leave the mixture to sit for a minute, before removing with a damp washcloth. If you’re not the DIY kind, try Rose Diamonds Lip Exfoliator from Henne Organics (it’s certified organic and not tested on animals).

4. Use a Moisturising Lipstick

The right lipstick not only enhances your look, but has the ability to completely transform it. If you can’t live a day without lipstick (and we completely get it!), choose a moisturising lipstick that will soothe and protect. Lip RX is an elegant remedy for sore, chapped lips, containing a tinted, sheer lip conditioner that soothes, moisturises and protects the lips from the elements. It also provides organic ultra-violet protection, and is chock-full of anti-oxidants and essential oils. Lip RX contains a unique blend of essential oils and vitamins to repair and protect the lips, while enhancing the wearability of other colour lip products. Don’t wait until your lips are sore and dry – this should be worn everyday to protect your lips from both the weather and environmental factors. Choose from two colours, Sahara for a more natural, earthy tone and Prim Rose for a pop of colour.

5. Use a Good Quality Lip Balm

A good quality lip balm should be applied after every treatment listed above. While care should be taken all year round, this is particularly important during Winter. Choose a balm containing natural oils with repairing qualities that will help to soothe, ease and protect. Our recommendations for a good quality balm include the Senna Moisture Lip Treatment Balm. This silky repairing balm can be applied over dry or chapped lips daily for smoothness and maximum hydration. It is rich in vegetable esters and essential fatty acids from Pumpkin Seed Oil, ensuring that your lips will feel instantly soft and moisturised. Natural waxes help to protect lips from daily harsh environmental aggressors such as extreme temperatures and pollutants.

*Please remember to always check the label for ingredients that you may be allergic to and patch test any product before applying to your skin. Aromatic Essential Oils, of Western Australia, provides some useful information regarding the safe use of essential oils on their website. While most essential oils are perfectly safe, including those listed above, caution must be taken when using certain oils if you have a pre-existing condition, allergy or are pregnant.

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