When we think about skincare, we often picture our daily routines of cleansing, masking, moisturising, serums, sunscreen, etc. We invest in products designed to target wrinkles, breakouts, and dullness, but there's one area of our face that often gets overlooked: our lips. Sure, we might swipe on a coat of lipstick or gloss for a burst of colour, but how many of us really take the time to care for the skin on our lips? In reality, lip care is just as important as skincare—and here's why.
The skin on our lips is significantly different from the rest of the skin on our faces. It's much thinner, it's delicate and lacks the oil glands that help other areas of the face stay moisturised. This makes the lips more vulnerable to drying out, cracking, and irritation. Without a solid lip care routine, your lips can easily become chapped, especially during colder months when harsh winds and low humidity strip away the moisture. But even in warmer weather, the sun can wreak havoc on your lips, leading to dryness and discolouration if not properly protected.
Moreover, because of its thinner skin, lips can show signs of ageing sooner than other parts of the face. Collagen production naturally decreases over time, and your lips may lose some of their plumpness, and fine lines can start to appear around the edges. These changes are often more noticeable on the lips, as they don’t have the same protective mechanisms as other skin areas. That’s why keeping the lips hydrated with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, oils, and hyaluronic acid is essential—not just for comfort, but for maintaining that fuller, smoother appearance.
Lips are also exposed to the elements every single day. Whether it's the wind, the sun, or even extreme cold, our lips face constant environmental stressors that can lead to damage if not properly cared for. The sun’s UV rays are a major concern, as they can not only dry out lips but also add to issues like dark spots or even skin cancer. Using a lip balm with SPF can help protect this area, just as you would apply sunscreen to your face.
One of the most important aspects of lip care is hydration. Since lips don’t have the ability to produce their own oils, they rely on external moisture to stay soft and smooth. A nourishing lip balm or treatment helps lock in moisture and keeps the lips from drying out, while an occasional lip scrub can exfoliate away dead skin, promoting a fresh, soft texture. Exfoliating your lips is an often-overlooked step that can make a huge difference in their appearance, especially if you’re dealing with flakiness or rough patches. Even a gentle sugar scrub or soft-bristled toothbrush can do the trick, leaving your lips feeling refreshed and revitalised.
Fortunately, lip care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. A few simple steps can make a big difference: moisturising regularly, exfoliating a couple of times a week, and protecting your lips from the sun. It’s one of the easiest self-care routines to integrate into your daily life. A swipe of balm before bed or a quick reapplication throughout the day is all it takes to keep your lips feeling nourished and looking their best.
Here are our top lip care products that you need to add to your routine STAT!
Dior Addicted Lip Glow Balm, ₹3,900
The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm, ₹950
Foxtale Brightening Lip Balm Kit of 4, ₹1,599
Inde Wild Dewy Lip Treatment, ₹799
The Skin Diet Company Lip Barrier Oil, ₹699
Hyphen Vitamin Infused Lip Balm, ₹399
Kylie Cosmetics Tinted Butter Balm, ₹1,800
Ras Lush Lips Conditioning & Brightening Lip Scrub ₹590
Flurth AM & PM Lip Care Trio Bundle ₹2,990
Juicy Chemistry Blood Orange and Rosehip Lip Scrub ₹350
M.A.C. Lip Scrubtious ₹2,150
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ₹1,420
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Lip Repair Balm ₹2,200
iS Clinical Youth Lip Elixir & Lip Polish ₹9,170
Featured image credit: Pexels
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