It is usually rare to find someone using a lip scrub. However, it is a very important routine which you should consider adopting before you apply lipstick. You need only a small amount of lip scrub to remove dead skin cells and leave your lips soft. Most lip scrubs also have moisturizing ingredients which leave you with smooth lips. Let's explore this page with more tips on how to use a lip scrub.
What Is A Lip Scrub?
Lip scrubs are made with ingredients like hydrating kinds of butter, waxes, and an exfoliant. Chapped lips will benefit from a lip scrub. From store-bought to regular DIY solutions, supple lips are the goal. A lip exfoliator removes dead skin cells and promotes new cell growth. Lip scrubs are perfect for the delicate skin on your lips.
Furthermore, applying lipstick to chapped lips can have a negative effect on your lipstick peeling. Cracked lips might end up ruining your whole makeup look. Before applying lipstick, ensure you gently exfoliate your lips to ensure hydrated lips asap. Cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and almond oil are some of the natural ingredients to look out for in your lip scrub.
Lip products are the most underrated. However, it is very important to keep your lips hydrated and supple. In the same way, you have a physical skin routine every day, and you should never exclude your lips from a routine. However, sensitive skin requires more care and information on how to use a lip scrub.
How To Use A Lip Scrub
Body scrubs and lip scrubs come in different forms and shapes. A sugar scrub lip balm is one of the most common lip scrubs on the market. You can even DIY your own paraben-free sugar scrub. A gentle sugar scrub could be one of the treatments to remedy chapped and cracked lips. Healthy lips should be maintained by any means.
Before starting out, it goes without saying that you should start with clean lips. We mean to make sure you wipe off all traces of lipstick, lip stain, or makeup on your lips. Starting with clean lips will ensure you don't get irritated lips when using a lip scrub. Furthermore, it also prevents infection, which can be caused by the abrasive nature of the lip scrub.
After that, you can consult the following steps:
1) Apply
You can carefully and gently apply one layer of lip scrub on your lips using a clean finger. However, be careful not to be super aggressive with the application. If you apply too much pressure, you might cause your skin to break or, worse, become infected. Furthermore, you don't need too much lip scrub exfoliator.
2) Rub Gently
For this, it is not advisable to use your finger as you might use too much force. To safely exfoliate lips, you can rub your lips together for at least fifteen seconds. Again, be gentle since the skin on your lips is very delicate and thin.
3) Finish Up
You can then wipe the remaining scrub off your lips or wash your lips with clean water. After this last step, your lips should feel refreshed and smooth. You can then apply your desired lip balm or shea butter lip gloss. You can also comfortably apply lipstick without a problem.
How Regularly Should I Use A Lip Scrub?
The short answer should be, not regularly. You do not need to use a sugar lip scrub every day. Of course, it is all a matter of personal preference. However, caution should be heeded. The epidermis on your lips is extra thin and delicate. And yes, it also sheds like the rest of the skin on your body. However, it is much more delicate.
Over-exfoliation with a lip scrub could cause micro-cuts and further chapping and breaking. Furthermore, exfoliating your lips once or twice a week is enough to have plump and soft lips. After adding nourishment and longevity, you should apply a nourishing lip balm to keep your lips moisturized after using a lip scrub.
If by any chance, your lips shed much more skin, then you should consider increasing the number of days you exfoliate per week. However, it is still not necessary to exfoliate more than twice a week. You will be amazed at the wonders a sugar lip scrub will do for your lips. Before applying liquid lipsticks to dry lips, you should seriously consider a lip scrub.
How To DIY Your Own Lip Scrub
You may have noticed many online recipes promising the most out of homemade skin and lip care. Some of them work wonders. Others, not so much. However, it is recommended before using any homemade product, and you should seek the advice of a professional or at least conduct your own research.
Usually, a lip scrub has two major ingredients:
- An exfoliator
- A moisturizing agent
Different moisturizing agents go well with different exfoliators. The list below details some examples of the perfect composition between the two:
- Sugar with honey
- Coffee grounds with shea butter
- Ground cinnamon with olive oil or coconut oil
In some cases, you can also use your toothbrush or any soft brush with petroleum jelly and slowly brush out dead skin. A rough towel can also do the work as long as you use it with a lip balm. All methods lead to smooth and plump lips. The following are steps to follow when making your DIY lip scrub.
- Pour a teaspoon of your exfoliating agent into a small clean container
- Add the moisturizing agent
- Mix them properly
Using your DIY scrub should not be hard. A clean finger or a cotton swab should do the trick. After making your DIY scrub, you should ensure to store it in a safe place and toss it out when it starts to stink or smell weird.
Why Should You Exfoliate Your Lips?
Lip exfoliation should be an important part of your skin routine. Exfoliation goes a long way, especially with parched and flaky lips. Here are some reasons your should always exfoliate your pout:
a) Smooth Base
Exfoliating is a perfect way to prep your mouth for applying liquid lipstick or any lipstick for that matter. Unfortunately, we have all had a terrible experience with caked liquid lipstick on our lips. At the end of a long day, you will wish you had attempted to exfoliate. Caked liquid lipstick is a nightmare. Not only is it hideous, but it is also unflattering when it starts to flake.
b) Plump Your Lips
Who doesn't want a flirty and well-plumped pout? When you exfoliate, blood flow is drastically improved, and hence there is a visible and poutier look to your lips. For temporary plumped pout, an exfoliating scrub could be the best solution.
c) Healthier Pout
During weather changes, you might find yourself with dry lips. It is not uncommon to lick your lips dry during the cold and hot season. For that reason, environmental changes can be your worst enemy. To give your pout a fair fighting chance, you should try to exfoliate at least once every week. The thin layer of epidermis on the lips requires extra protection.
d) Long-Lasting Lipstick
Flaking lipstick is enemy number one on a pout you have not prepped. Instead of having a beautiful matte finish, you have lips that look dehydrated and chapped. With a smooth base, there is no dry skin for a liquid lipstick to attach to stubbornly. Hence, your matte finish lipstick will last longer and not crack sometime during the day.
e) Lip Balms Penetrate Better
With a well-exfoliated pout, you also get the most out of your lip balms and lip gloss. With no extra skin blocking the penetration of lip balm, your pout will always be moisturized even without balm or gloss. However, it would be great if you always call to mind to hydrate frequently during the day to ensure your lips also remain plumped out.
Watch Out For:
Some ingredients are irritating to the skin. Using them on a delicate surface like the lips could cause damage. In addition, you could be allergic to some of these ingredients. Here are some ingredients to stay away from:
- Menthol
- Mint
- Camphor
- Oxybenzone
- Camphor
Bottom Line
Exfoliating your lips removes dry and flaky skin. It creates a soft and supple base for applying lipstick. However, after exfoliating, you need to care for your skin in the best way possible. Part of your care should at least include applying a nourishing balm or gloss. When you leave the house, you should ensure you apply an SPF-based balm.
Sun protection factor will protect your lips from the harsh effects of the sun and ensure you don't have burnt and dehydrated skin on your lips. Lastly, being gentle during exfoliation will keep your lips healthy and vibrant. Aggressive exfoliation is the worst you could do to delicate skin. If possible, always hydrate well, and your lips will always be in good shape.
