Plump, kissable, or however you describe them, your lips deserve the best possible care. They’re relatively low-maintenance, and, often, all you’ll need is an exfoliating salt scrub or organic lip balm. Available in dozens of tints and flavours, selecting a lip balm is typically an enjoyable—and delicious—process. 

Why Do Lips Get Cracked or Dry?

Along with fingertips, the lips have the most significant amount of sensory cells in the body, making them extremely sensitive to external factors. The pink or red hue you see is a collection of blood vessels. Without sebum or sweat glands, it’s up to an individual’s habits to keep them sufficiently hydrated. Other reasons lips get dry are: 

• Temperature. A rapid change between hot and cold can result in chapped lips, especially during the wintertime. 

• Poor care. Neglecting your already-chapped lips means they’re only going to get worse. 

• UV radiation. In essence, lips have no pigment and require protection from direct sunlight. 

• Stress. Like most other bodily functions, stress can impact the condition of your lips. 

How to Properly Nurture Your Lips

As we mentioned, your lips aren’t capable of producing moisture—that means you have full control over how hydrated they are. For velvety, soft lips: 

• Purchase a product with high oil and low water content. As water evaporates from the lips, they become even drier. Purchase a shea butter balm or one with natural almond oil and beeswax.  

• Remove excess skin cells. Treat yourself to weekly exfoliation using a tasty exfoliating scrub and toothbrush. 

• Don’t neglect your lip care. As a nervous habit, you might be prone to chewing or picking at your lips. However, this can dry out sensitive skin and even cause it to bleed and blister. Apply lip balm throughout the day—how often you choose to do so is up to you. 

• Avoid salty food. Everyone loves salty popcorn—but you can’t have it all the time! Crisps and snack foods tend to dry out the lips, so have them sparingly. 

• Wear lipstick responsibly. Yes, there’s a right way to wear lipstick. Whether on a date night or tip to the club with your friends, lipstick can bring your look together. However, as much as possible, you’ll want to avoid sleeping with them overnight. This can cause your lips to dry and flake. Remove them using an oily cleansing lotion or makeup remover. Apply the product generously and wipe off the lipstick with a cotton pad. Then, top off your lips with a nourishing lip balm. 

Final Thoughts

Many skincare fanatics will warn against your lip balm’s “addictive” qualities. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Lip balms, even the tastiest, doughnut-flavoured types, aren’t addictive, per se. Instead, you’ve simply formulated a habit—and a good one! When you don’t apply lip balm, your lips feel drier than usual. Getting into the practice won’t make matters worse—it’ll only reinforce healthy routines. 

We’ll admit, our Lowen’s salted caramel and pumpkin pie lip balms might be a little addictive. Unlike most, our lip products serve as a daily treat—probably one that you won’t be able to get enough of!