best for BEAUTY
Show them some TLC and pout away...
1 BACK TO BALMS
Nourishing with a well-formulated lip balm is the most important step in taking care of them. A hydrating, fragrance-free balm containing SPF is a must-have, explains Dr Rebecca Marcus, board-certified dermatologist. Look for the types of ingredients that will really hydrate and moisturise; humectants, emollients and occlusives, says Dr Camille Howard-Verovic, from Active Dermatology New York. You’ll find this in Ultrasun Lip Protection SPF30, £8.
FAKE IT YOURSELF
It can be overwhelming to pick the best product for you, but a good way to sort through the clutter is by ensuring that a product not only contains effective ingredients, but is free from ingredients that cause irritation and sensitivity. If you’re prone to chapped lips and reactive skin, avoid lip plumping products or ones containing essential oils that can worsen dryness. Beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter area great alternatives.
2 BUFF AWAY FLAKES
Exfoliation is not always necessary here, but when lips become flaky and dry, Dr Marcus says it can help clear dead skin. However, over-exfoliation can do more harm than good, disrupting the skin barrier, leaving it susceptible to irritation. Choose a scrub with fine crystals and moisturising ingredients designed to protect delicate lip skin. Apply a small amount, massaging in circular motions with gentle pressure. Barry M Lip Scrub in Pink Grapefruit, £4.99, is uplifting, but for a quick home recipe, try Vaseline mixed with ½tsp brown sugar.
3 UNMASK THE PERFECT POUT
To move your lip care up a notch, opt for an overnight lip mask treatment. Try something thicker than your typical lip balm, ‘allowing the skin barrier to regener
