Laura Skin Care

When was the last time your exfoliated your lips?

If you can’t remember, or aren’t a regular exfoliator, it’s time to reconsider this oft-neglected beauty habit. Whether you live in a dry environment or are facing annual dryness from allergies or overly conditioned indoor air, your lips are bound to pay the price at some point to another.

And while you could turn to balms that promise a smooth, silky pout, sometimes they’re not enough to deliver the relief you’re looking for. Why?

Over time, your lips develop dry flakes and dead skin, just like any other part of your body does. This old skin covers your softer, newer skin below and can prevent balm or other soothers from getting down deep and providing relief.

Exfoliation on the regular

The only way to prevent dead skin build-up is to regularly exfoliate your lips. Now, this certainly isn’t a step you want to add to your daily beauty routine – after all, too much exfoliation would defeat the purpose and would unnecessarily damage your soft lip skin.

However, a weekly exfoliation routine, particularly during dry times of the year, will save you from the worst of your area’s peak chapping period. Whether you need to regularly exfoliate or only find yourself doing it a few times a year, here are some of the best ways to ditch the dead skin and reveal a luscious smile:

• Toothbrush and petroleum jelly(or a petroleum jelly substitute)- This is possibly the simplest method for exfoliation. Simply apply petroleum jelly to your lips and then gently brush with a soft toothbrush that you’ve reserved for this purpose alone. Old skin flakes will come right off and leave your lips soft and smooth.
• Olive oil and sugar – Mix up a paste of equal parts olive oil and sugar, apply, and wait for a few minutes before scrubbing off. The sugar will help to pull off some of the old skin and the oil will soften your lips.
• Pre-made exfoliators – Sometimes, it’s best to leave the mixing up to the experts. LUSH and e.l.f. Both offer inexpensive and super effective lip exfoliators that customers adore. Best part? They really work, and should last you for many applications.

No matter your budget or DIY preferences, you can find a lip exfoliation process that works for you. This easy beauty regimen is well worth the five minutes or so that it takes to uncover a soft smile and soothe your chapped lips.