As Valentine's Day approaches, it's time for a reminder on the importance of lip care to make sure your lips are in top condition for smooching!

The Night-time Solution for Hydrated Lips

My favorite way to end my nighttime routine is by adding on a thick layer of hydrating ointment to my lips. While you sleep, this ointment has the chance to work overnight to nourish and repair cracked lips since you aren’t eating, drinking or talking! 

When choosing a lip product, look for hydrating ingredients like:

• Castor seed oil
• Ceramides
• Dimethicone
• Hemp seed oil
• Mineral oil
• Petrolatum
• Petroleum jelly
• Shea butter

I’m currently using CeraVe Healing Ointment, included in our most recent Winter Box!

Sun Protection during the Day

Remember, sun exposure ages not only your skin, but your lips too. Collagen breakdown in our lips can cause the dreaded etched lines around the mouth and loss of volume and plumpness to the lips over time. Look for a lip product with an SPF of 30 or higher! Yes, this applies even in winter!

Don't Aggravate Your Lips

When lips are dry, the urge to lick, bite or pick at them can be strong, but resist! Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving your lips drier than before. Also, avoid lip products that lead to tingling, burning, or stinging sensations like lip plumpers as they usually cause irritation and even allergic reactions over time.

Be Cautious with Certain Ingredients

For those with dry or chapped lips, be cautious about lip products containing camphor, eucalyptus, flavoring (mint, cinnamon, citrus), fragrance, lanolin and menthol. These may worsen the dryness and can actually make you “addicted” to your lip balm, thinking you need it more and more when it’s in fact the cause of your irritation!

Consider Medical Consultation

It’s important to note that chronic dry lips may be a symptom of underlying conditions such as allergic reactions, yeast infections, or even actinic cheilitis, a precancerous condition. A dermatologist can diagnose and provide the necessary treatment for these issues so don’t hesitate to see one if things aren’t getting better.